The Cimas Health Group has urged Zimbabweans to make routine visits to a haemodialysis centre for kidney health screening and early detection to access life-saving treatment.
With around 1,000 cases of kidney failure recorded annually in Zimbabwe, a Cimas official emphasised the importance of regular screening, particularly for individuals at risk of kidney disease.
In a speech read on his behalf during a visit to the Cimas Haemodialysis Centre, CEO Vuli Ndlovu said that early screening is crucial, especially for those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney issues.
Ndlovu stressed that early detection and timely treatment can significantly slow the progression of kidney disease and improve long-term health outcomes. Added Ndlovu:
<blockquote>
Kidney disease is a significant health concern in Zimbabwe due to limited access to early diagnosis and treatment, which can help manage the disease in its initial stages.
Our dialysis centre operates with a 24-hour on-call service for emergencies, ensuring that patients receive care when they need it most
</blockquote>
Ndlovu urged those at risk of kidney disease to adopt a healthy lifestyle, as this is crucial in reducing the likelihood of developing kidney problems. He said:
<blockquote>
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is crucial in reducing the risk of kidney disease. Regular exercise helps to maintain a healthy weight and lowers blood pressure, contributing to better kidney health.
It is essential to monitor blood pressure regularly and manage it through a balanced diet, physical activity and medication when necessary.
Maintaining a kidney-friendly diet is also vital, a diet low in salt and processed foods but rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports kidney function and overall wellbeing.
</blockquote>
Ndlovu said the Cimas Health Group Dialysis Centre offers services for both chronic and acute kidney failure patients, as well as kidney transplant work-up services.
He added that they provide mobile haemodialysis for patients in intensive care units and offer renal treatment for patients over the age of 60.
The centre is equipped with state-of-the-art Baxter AK98 dialysis machines and automatic LikaMed Dialysis chairs, ensuring high-quality care for patients.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/health/article/200039426/cimas-calls-for-kidney-health-prioritisation">NewsDay</a>

Pindula News

The Cimas Health Group wants people in Zimbabwe to get screened for kidney problems regularly. They say around 1,000 people suffer from kidney failure each year in Zimbabwe. The CEO of Cimas stressed that early screening is important, especially for those with diabetes or high blood pressure. They offer services for both chronic and acute kidney failure, as well as kidney transplants. It's important to live a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of kidney disease. The Cimas Dialysis Centre has advanced machines to give the best care to patients. The goal is to help people stay healthy and catch kidney problems early.

Cimas Calls For Kidney Health Screenings Amid Rising Cases Of Kidney Failure

Cimas Medical Aid has donated US$13 753 to the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe as part of its corporate social responsibility.
The money was raised from the company’s annual iGo half marathon which was held last year in Harare and Bulawayo where 1 422 athletes participated in different races.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Cimas chief marketing officer Tatenda Madzikanda said:
<blockquote>
We are now a family with the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe, and we will continue to support you.
As promised, we are handing over to you all the proceeds that we raised (US$13 753) from the iGo Half Marathon.
We are grateful to our key partners Pick n Pay and ZimPure who partnered us in making the event a success.
</blockquote>
At last year’s iGo Half Marathon, Cimas had anticipated having 1 000 athletes for both Harare and Bulawayo, but the event was oversubscribed and raised US$13 753.
Cancer Association of Zimbabwe general manager Junior Mavu said it is through such donations from Cimas that cancer patients and their families are supported. Said Mavu:
<blockquote>
Our heartfelt thanks to Cimas for supporting us and the cause because you have always done it year in, and year out.
For us to be able to do what we do, it is because of such support. This donation will go a long way in helping cancer patients and their families.
Cancer treatments and drugs are expensive and not every patient is on medical aid or health insurance, so for those who are not on medical aid, treatment becomes very difficult, and this is where we chip in, but because of the high numbers, we are not able to help everyone as desired.
</blockquote>
This year’s edition of the iGo Half Marathon is expected to be even bigger and better, targeting 2 000 runners in both Harare and Bulawayo.
The half marathon also raises awareness about men’s health and wellness, promoting a sense of companionship and solidarity with all men battling prostate and testicular cancer.
Last month, Cimas Health Group donated 500 Novo Nordisk Levemir Insulin Pens worth $27 500 to the Diabetes Association of Zimbabwe.
The donation was a considerable boost for the diabetic community in Zimbabwe to assist those affected by the chronic disease, providing them with the essential medication and support required to manage their condition effectively.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Cimas Donates US$13 000 To Cancer Association Of Zimbabwe

Members of Parliament want the Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC) to regulate the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) and medical aid societies as they are multi-billion-dollar institutions.
This came out during the debate on the Insurance and Pensions Bill, which is currently in the Second Reading Stage in the National Assembly. Harare East legislator Tendai Biti (CCC) was quoted by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200008150/mps-demand-nssa-regulation">NewsDay</a> as saying:
<blockquote>
Medical insurance companies and NSSA must be regulated by IPEC as was the original amendment in the Bill.
The health system has been compromised in Zimbabwe because of the shoddy services by medical aid societies like Cimas and the Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS).
</blockquote>
Kambuzuma legislator Willias Madzimure (CCC) said people were losing their money at NSSA and medical aid societies, therefore, there is a need to regulate the institutions.
More <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

MPs Want NSSA, Medical Aid Societies To Be Regulated

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Cimas">Cimas,</a> a medical aid society and one of the largest health insurance organisations in Zimbabwe, has partnered with business management organisations to procure COVID-19 vaccines. In a statement, Cimas said <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/cimas-responds-to-reports-that-it-is-offering-free-services-to-coronavirus-patients/">members are to access the vaccine for free.</a> We present the statement below.
<blockquote>Cimas Medical Aid Society, Zimbabwe’s leading medical aid society, <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">in partnership with business management organisations</a>, has procured Sinovac Covide-19 vaccines for their members.
These business management organisations include the Zimbabwe Chamber of Mines, Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries, Business Fighting Covid, Employers’ Confederation of Zimbabwe (EMCOZ), Horticultural Development Council, Insurance Council of Zimbabwe, Bankers’ Association of Zimbabwe, Association of Trust Schools, Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers and the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce.
The vaccine was procured through the government of Zimbabwe, with <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Cimas and the business management organisations footing the bill for the costs involved.</a>
Vaccination has already started at Cimas’ and approved participating organisations’ vaccination centres across the country, with more centres due to open once the vaccines have been delivered in those districts.
Cimas Chief Executive Officer Vuli Ndlovu said Cimas and its business organisation partners had pooled their resources to buy the vaccines in order for the private sector to actively contribute to the Government drive to have the population vaccinated. Mr Ndlovu said:
_We have partnered with like-minded business management organisations to fulfil our mandate, which is to inspire healthier communities by providing global standard health and wellness solutions. Offering free and accessible Covid-19 vaccines to our members is one such drive to ensure our members are protected from dire effects of the pandemic._
_The Covid-19 vaccine partnership will see Cimas members and those of its business management partners accessing the Sinovac vaccine for free at Cimas’ and other approved facilities._
_As an organisation, we are aware of the challenges that have been associated with the Covid-19 vaccine uptake. We believe vaccination is the way to go to fight this Covid-19 war. For this reason, we have been busy with public service announcements and infomercials on radio and social media correcting misinformation, demystifying myths and misconceptions about the vaccine and informing the public about the benefits of the Covid-19 vaccine._
_We continue to advise members, and the public, who may be sceptical about the availed vaccines, that with the supply of vaccines currently strained, the best vaccine is the one on your arm. All vaccines have been proved to significantly reduce mortality and need for critical care._
_In continuous pursuit of our purpose, we have been working tirelessly to invest in the health and wellness of the communities we serve._
_We have been doing this by coming up with innovative health and medical care solutions that always exceed our customer expectations and investing in health infrastructure such as primary care clinics, emergency evacuation, diagnostic services, among others. Given the impact of Covid-19 in Zimbabwe and the world at large, we have seen it fit to also invest in vaccines._
_We at Cimas would like to encourage our members and the general public to take up the vaccines to protect themselves and their loved ones._
_We urge those already vaccinated not to relax but to continue adhering to the Covid-19 regulations such as sanitising their hands, social distancing and the proper wearing of face masks._
Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr. John Mangwiro officially launched the private sector Covid-19 vaccine at Cimas Medical Aid Services in Borrowable, Harare.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Cimas Partners Business Management Organisations To Procure COVID-19 Vaccines.

Cimas Medical Aid Society has announced that it will provide COVID-19 medical aid cover to any of its members who test positive for the disease.
The cover caters for the treatment of members if they get infected with coronavirus and clearance tests at the end of their treatment.
The cover is subject to the benefit levels provided for in the member’s medical aid package and includes admission to any hospital approved for COVID-19 patients, treatment in an intensive care unit within the hospital, and all prescription drugs in and out of the hospital.
It also includes up to three clearance tests, in line with World Health Organisation guidelines.
Announcing the new measures, Cimas Medical Aid Society managing director Martin Mushambadope said the society was providing this COVID-19 cover to ensure the safety of its members.
<blockquote>We have now taken steps to ensure that any of our members who test positive for COVID-19, regardless of the medical aid package they are on, are covered for hospital admission, intensive care, medication and any other procedures related to their COVID-19 treatment up to the benefit limits of their package.
We are keen to ensure that members infected with the virus do not have to worry about facing a huge financial burden as a result of their hospitalisation.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://healthtimes.co.zw/2020/05/21/breaking-cimas-announces-cover-for-covid-19-positive-members/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Health Times</a></h4>

Cimas Announces Cover For Members' COVID-19 Treatment

One of the country’s biggest Medical Aid companies CIMAS has introduced a few measures to guard against COVID-19 which has killed over 17 000 people worldwide, including broadcaster Zororo Makamba. This was communicated in a bulletin sent to Pindula which reads:
<blockquote>Given that there are now confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Zimbabwe it is essential that we step up our vigilance in preventing the contraction and spread of the virus.
We have therefore put in place the following additional precautions to ensure the safety of our members and staff commencing on Monday 23rd March:
<ul>
<li>Screening for COVID-19 at designated tents outside our facilities.</li>
<li>Encouraging frequent washing and sanitising of hands using the sanitisers and handwash solutions available at all our premises.</li>
<li>Encouraging observing the social distancing guideline of at least 1 metre between persons.</li>
<li>Relevant Personal Protective Equipment for all staff who are at risk of infection.</li>
</ul>
In the interests of preventing the contraction and spread of the virus we advise that you avoid physically visiting us where possible.
In the meantime, the Clinics &amp; Pharmacies will remain open for non Covid-19 cases at the usual business times. Our medical aid customer walk in centres will be open between 8am and 4.15pm. The laboratories will be operating as usual.
At the screening tents, we will be asking you a few questions relating to your general health and recent travel history. Please cooperate and respond truthfully as this may save you and others from contracting the virus.
For other queries regarding your membership, pre-authorisations, assistance and any other information pertaining to any of the Cimas services our call centre is available 24/7 to attend to you on 08677 400 500 or 0242-777300-10 or E-mail connectPcimas.co.zw. 
For and on behalf of Cimas
M. Mushambadope MANAGING DIRECTOR</blockquote>

CIMAS Introduces Measures To Guard Against COVID-19

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Cimas" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cimas Medical Aid</a> has dismissed as fake a message circulating on social media claiming that its ambulances are available for free to people who suspect to have contracted the coronavirus.
In a statement on Monday, Cimas said:
<blockquote>Cimas has noted with concern that there are false messages circulating on social media advising people to call Cimas Rescue’s emergency number *922* should you suspect that you have Coronavirus.
The message claims that Cimas Rescue is being funded by the UN making the service free and able to take patients ti Wilkins while at the same time disinfecting your home.
THIS IS NOT TRUE! The guidelines outlined by the Ministry of Health and Child Care remain the only correct procedure where Covid-19 is suspected.
People are advised to seek authentic information from the Ministry of Health and Child Care facilities and also on official Ministry of Health and Child Care websites.
For and on behalf of Cimas
R. Masunda
Chief Marketing officer</blockquote>
The fake message that had been circulating on social media reads as follows:
<blockquote>Harare residents: If you suspect you have coronavirus Call 922 for cimas ambulance. they r not supposed to make u pay even a single cent coz UN is backing them for corona. They will take you to Wilkins straight. they will disinfect your home for free.
Your samples will be taken testing. it takes only 2-3 days everything is UN managed. they have pitched their facilities there.</blockquote>

Cimas Responds To Reports That It Is Offering Free Services To Coronavirus Patients

The Chronicle has reported that a huge number of Zimbabweans is dropping medical aid schemes as they can no longer afford them.
The publication reports that many are now looking for alternative solutions including traditional medicines.
Medical Aid societies have been raising their fees in response to prices for drugs by private doctors, hospitals and pharmacies.
This happens when workers’ salaries have not been reviewed up for a long time despite the inflationary economy in the country.
Meanwhile, workers recently rejected the government’s 97% salary increment offer saying that it is too insignificant as it does not take their salaries above the poverty datum line now pegged at over $4000.
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/high-costs-pushing-many-away-from-medical-aid-schemes/">The Chronicle</a>

Zimbabweans Ditching Medical Aid Schemes Due To High Costs

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Trevor_Ncube">Trevor Ncube</a> interviewed <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Cimas"> CIMAS</a>‘s Vulindlela Ndlovu who explains why medical tourism to India has been growing over the years.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A number of Zimbabweans are going to India for medical treatment. Cimas CEO Vulindlela Ndlovu explains some of the advantages. 👇🏽 <a href="https://t.co/oklwDka149">pic.twitter.com/oklwDka149</a>
— Trevor Ncube (@TrevorNcube) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrevorNcube/status/1194274174669381632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

WATCH: CIMAS Boss Explains Why Zimbabwean Are Seeking Treatment In India

Cimas medical aid society, one of the largest health insurance organisations in Zimbabwe, issued a statement recently to the effect that non-members will pay for services in US dollars at its clinics.
A memo dated June 7, 2019, and addressed to Doctors-in-Charge and Sisters-in-Charge reads:
<blockquote>Be advised that with effect from 8 June 2019, cash patients visiting Cimas Healthcare Clinics will be required to pay US Dollars for all services and drugs they wish to access at the clinics. The prevailing Inter-Bank US Dollar rate will apply for all such transactions.
Cimas members will continue to access services and drugs in RTGS and where applicable the Nostro account will be used for Cimas Members who have such an arrangement.</blockquote>
<img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-102074 size-large" decoding="async" height="933" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/WhatsApp-Image-2019-06-11-at-05.16.22-768x1024.jpeg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/WhatsApp-Image-2019-06-11-at-05.16.22.jpeg 768w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/WhatsApp-Image-2019-06-11-at-05.16.22-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/WhatsApp-Image-2019-06-11-at-05.16.22-600x800.jpeg 600w" width="700"/>

Cimas Demand US Dollars From Non-members

Cimas Medical Aid Society will, with effect from 1 January 2019, introduce USD denominated packages. Cimas will, however, continue to offer all the traditional packages that are denominated in both RTGS FCAs and Nostro FCAs. Below is the full statement released by Cimas:
<blockquote>24 December 2018
Contributions Review
The Society wishes to advise its valued customers that there are escalations on RTGS claims while USD claims costs remain static.  This development has led to members incurring huge co-payments in RTGS terms while there are no or little co-payments in USD claims. The Society has engaged some service providers who advised that the distortions are a result of the need to raise foreign currency (which is not readily available) to procure medicines and medical consumables.
In an effort to ensure equity and in response to the recently announced monetary policy, we are introducing foreign currency denominated products to complement the existing RTGS products effective the 1st of January 2019.
The USD denominated packages will bridge the current gap and avail options to accommodate our diverse membership. The initiative is also based on the need to capacitate our healthcare service providers thereby enabling them to import the healthcare delivery inputs. Claims for members who will be registered onto these products will be reimbursed through the Nostro FCA accounts. Members who are currently registered on traditional packages are allowed to migrate to the foreign currency products without waiting periods.
Please note that the Society will continue to offer all the traditional packages that are denominated in both RTGS FCAs and Nostro FCAs.
Find attached the four package options for your consideration. For further information, please contact Sales &amp; Marketing and Customer Services teams to discuss the detailed benefits at your convenience.
Washington Madziwadondo
Managing Director – Medical Aid</blockquote>

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