By Hamu Madzedze
Cimas Health one of Zimbabwe's largest medical aid societies has implemented the Robotic Process Automation as a way of enhancing process efficiency.
In his remarks at the 79th edition of the Groups's Annual General Meeting in Harare, Cimas Health Chief Executive Officer Mr Vuli Ndlovu said the Robotic Process Automation initiatives will continue to be explored alongside incorporating artificial intelligence in core operations.
Mr Ndlovu added that the Group rolled out digital customer facing products and will continue to explore several opportunities to apply technology within the business.
"To improve convenience for our members we have introduced two digital products USSD and the WhatsApp Chatbot platforms during the year 2023 " said Mr Ndlovu.
The Group's CEO said the USSD platform is a service that aims to enhance user experience by providing a seamless, accessible and efficient way for members to interact with their services without the need for internet access.
He also pointed out that the WhatsApp Chatbot is designed to revolutionise customer interaction and support , harness the widespread use of WhatsApp to provide instant,efficient and personalised service to members.
"Both platforms that is the USSD and the WhatsApp Chatbot provide an interactive and responsive real-time connection allowing members access to check their balances and benefits ,obtain information about Cimas and initiate card requests and digital registration of members on the Healthsave products" said Mr Ndlovu.
Mr Ndlovu highlighted that the year 2023 was a busy one as they expanded their service provision scope from primary care into tertiary health care services.
"In 2023 the Group commissioned nine units across five disciplines and in five cities and towns namely Borrowdale Office Park Radiology,Kwekwe ,Highglen ,Bulawayo and Mutare dental facilities,35 Fife Avenue Pharmacy, Ruwa Clinic and Pharmacy" he said.
The CEO also pointed out that Cimas 35 Fife Avenue hospital which began operating in the second quarter of this year will have facilities such as theatres, an intensive care unit and high dependency unit amongst other services.
Mr Ndlovu said the new projects which were commissioned in 2023 aided in mitigating the impact of the co-payments on attendances, adding that the units inflation adjusted revenue grew by 117% .
"Dental attendances increased by 42% after the commissioning of the four new dental clinics and Medlabs lagged by 16% from prior year due to the impact of co-payments and competition from new laboratories which were established during the financial year" he said.
The Group's CEO stated that they have commenced construction of the Van Praagh Medical Centre which is their flagship wellness centre and it will boast of a plethora of health and wellness facilities under one roof including primary health care services,diagnostics services,medical retail and wellness services.
"This investment was necessitated by the need to grow capacity for members accessing the Rowland Square Clinic and improve turnaround times for patients" said Mr Ndlovu.
Cimas was the first medical aid in Zimbabwe to attain ISO 27001:2013 certification and they managed to renew the certification last year in June and Mr Ndlovu said this certification renewal is an assurance to members and stakeholders that their highly sensitive personal and medical information on record will be kept securely , confidentially and be readily available.
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