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Pamela Shumba recently in Harare
CIMAS Medical Aid Society last week launched a health and wellness plan for its members in a bid to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent illnesses.

Dubbed “iGo”, the new product is the first of its kind to be launched in the country and is being offered for a monthly subscription of $45.

Speaking at the launch of the scheme in Harare, Cimas chief executive officer Vulindlela Ndlovu said iGo was designed to promote health rather than treat ill health as well as meet the changing needs of their members.

“The launch of iGo is evidence that we’re trying our best to meet the changing needs of our members. We believe that it’ll contribute to the to a healthier membership.

“We’re not the first medical aid society to introduce a plan like this but we’re the first in Zimbabwe. The new plan is exciting because we’re employing advanced technology such as a card with a chip in it that can be used for discounts,” said Ndlovu.

He said the scheme will go a long way in promoting productivity in companies.“There’s a growing emphasis globally on the fact that health is not just an absence of illness but a positive wellness or feeling of well being.

“In line with that concept, through this new health and wellness plan, which we’ve decided to call iGo, we’re seeking to promote good health and fitness among our members,” said Ndlovu.

As part of their endeavour to promote fitness and good health, Ndlovu said the medical aid society had arranged for discounts for its members at Pro Fitness gym in Harare and healthy food ordered at a number of restaurants.

He added that plans were underway to extend the discounts to Bulawayo and other cities in the country.

The Cimas group marketing manager, Nyengeterai Mahaka, said iGo was designed to create awareness around healthy living.

“Through iGo, Cimas is committed to pioneering innovative ways to get people to adopt healthy, active lifestyles.

“The new plan offers a connection between knowing how to achieve improved wellness and receiving the support and confidence to take action,” said Mahaka.

She said it was important for members of the general public and medical aid societies to work together and respond effectively to the challenges of an unhealthy population.

The Cimas board chairperson, Emma Fundira, said the plan represents a new direction that the medical aid society is taking in promoting the health and wellness of its members.

“We’ve long felt that our medical aid packages should not simply pay for members’ treatment when they’re unwell but should promote a healthy lifestyle that minimises the likelihood of them needing treatment.

“The importance of diet and lifestyle in promoting good health is increasingly being realised the world over. In some countries there are particular diseases or conditions that are being linked primarily to eating habits,” said Fundira.

Cimas MedExec and Private Hospital package members can obtain substantial discounts on membership of a gym at Sam Levy’s Village in Harare’s Borrowdale suburb, and various activities there such as sessions with a personal trainer and consultations with a nutritionist.

Through iGo, members can obtain free progressive assessments every six weeks, which would normally cost $30, and attend educational talks at the gym, which normally cost $10, free of charge.

Discounts can also be obtained on healthy meals at several restaurants and on massages, manicures, pedicures, facials and detox juices at a chain of health spas. There are even discounts available at certain cinemas.