COMPETITION COMMISSION PROBES MEDICAL AID SCHEME

LOBAMBA – The Eswatini Competition Commission (ESCC) will soon reveal government’s stance on a medical aid scheme that runs its own hospital and pharmacies.This was disclosed by the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, yesterday. The minister was responding to a question that was posed by Senator Tony Sibandze, who wanted to know if there was no breach of competition laws in the case of the medical aid scheme that was running its hospital.“There is a medical aid scheme in the country that has a hospital and now runs the biggest retail pharmacy outlet. The scheme also requires members to use their benefits in its facilities. “About 80 per cent of service providers in the country, such as doctors, pharmacies and hospitals are blocked from accessing the benefits,” he said.The senator questioned whether the ESCC viewed the practice as fair competition.Senator Lindiwe Ngwenya also stated that there was an outcry from butcheries about a large meat wholesaler.

Franchise

The senator said meat traders felt that the wholesaler should just franchise its brand than to open branches all over the country, because it is taking them out of business. In response, Khumalo said the ESCC would soon reveal its position on that matter. Coming to the issue of butcheries, the minister invited those who had complaints to lodge them with the commission. He said the issue was that people were not reporting cases to the commission, but complained on the streets.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: