Things are not well at Premier Service Medical Investments (PSMI). The popular state-affiliated medical insurance company which also runs a chain of hospitals and clinics was forced to admit to this fact this week. After nurses went on protest over unpaid salaries, PSMI closed down two of its major facilities, Claybank in Gweru and West End in Harare.

The board acknowledges the fact that employees have gone for 3 months without salaries and how the unfortunate circumstances continue to affect the employees’ wellbeing and their capacity to report for work and effectively discharge their duties.

The challenges at PSMI have been in the public domain for the better part of the year and they mainly emanate from cash flow ceilings currently affecting the major client PSMAS…

As part of resolving current operational challenges at PSMI, the Board and management express sincere gratitude to the Government of Zimbabwe for its recent intervention to capacitate PSMI with stocks.

PSMI pharmacies, renal clinics, optometry practices and clinical laboratories have since received part of the imported stocks to address the perennial stock out challenges that were affecting service delivery.

Through Government efforts, PSMI is also currently working with NATPHARM in ensuring consistent availability of affordable medicines to the convenience of the PSMAS members and the nation at large.

PSMI Board and Management further express its heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to all PSMI employees and their families for being steadfast and resilient during these difficult challenges, which are soon to pass.
A statement issued this week by PSMI’s board

PSMI’s staff is demanding better salaries, access to protective equipment and to be paid USD allowances. Hundreds of the institution’s nurses and other staff have been on strike since June. The strike has crippled the closed institutions forcing them to shut down. PSMI is affiliated with the government and public service. The government has been accused of allowing corruption to fester at the institution.