The Gabon Pharmacists‘ Union (SYPHARGA) filed a notice on October 25 to suspend the supply of medicines to all policyholders of the National Health Insurance and Social Guarantee Fund (CNAMGS) from November 12, i.e. 4 days before the constitutional referendum on November 16.
SYPHARGA demands the clearance of CNAMGS’ debt arrears from its members’ pharmacies.
« It is with regret that we provide you with this notice of suspension of benefits, until arrears are cleared, which takes effect from Tuesday, November 12, 2024. », Wrote the pharmacists in the notice addressed to the Director General of the CNAMGS, Audrey Chambrier Voua.
« The reason for this notice is the poor quality of payment by CNAMGS. This is not news but the level of its current deterioration is unprecedented and is, more than ever, detrimental to the viability of service providers. », justify the pharmacists.
« The profession has always worked to preserve the fundamental right of populations to be able to care for themselves. From your experience, you know very well the proposals that we have continually recommended. We impatiently await the implementation of the most relevant of them, for the good of all parties », they urge.
The union points to an inability of the CNAMGS to respect all the payment terms agreed with the service providers. This sufficiently proves, according to him, the urgency of definitively and lastingly reviewing the functioning of the CNAMGS.
« To date, patients have no guarantee of optimal access to quality care, companies in the health sector have stopped paying and the Fund is unable to fulfill its obligations. », deplores SYPHARGA.
« This approach does not aim, as usual, at a simple reduction of the debt. Given the context in which our country is now evolving, we want the fund to respect its contractual commitments, with regular monthly payment every 30 days maximum after submission of the invoice. », he recommends.
SYPHARGA suggests the payment as soon as possible of more than 60% of the debt, the total amount of which is not known.
The CNAMGS has not yet publicly reacted following this notice. The outbreak of anger from SYPHARGA is not new. All previous threats to suspend benefits always result in partial or full settlement of the debt. This time, pharmacists are demanding a clean-up of payment procedures and terms to avoid the same recriminations.
Pharmacists also suggest the computerization of CNAMGS services to reduce the massive use of paper and possible fraud at all levels.
Marie Dorothée
2024-10-30 19:35:00
#pharmacists #threaten #longer #serve #CNAMGS #policyholders #November
**Interview with Dr. Emilie Nguema, President of the Gabon Pharmacists’ Union (SYPHARGA)**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Nguema. The Gabon Pharmacists’ Union has announced a suspension of medicine supplies to the National Health Insurance and Social Guarantee Fund (CNAMGS). Can you clarify the reasons behind this decision?
**Dr. Nguema:** Thank you for having me. The decision to suspend the supply of medicines, effective from November 12, was not taken lightly. The primary reason is the significant arrears that CNAMGS owes to our members. Over the years, we’ve faced ongoing issues with payment delays and insufficient compensation, but the current situation has reached an unprecedented level of deterioration.
**Editor:** How does this suspension impact patients who rely on CNAMGS for their medicines?
**Dr. Nguema:** This suspension will undoubtedly have serious implications for patients. Many rely on CNAMGS for access to essential medications, and without the supply from pharmacies, their ability to receive adequate care will be severely compromised. It is with great regret that we are taking this step, but we must prioritize the viability of service providers to continue serving the public in the long run.
**Editor:** You mentioned that the union has always worked to preserve patient rights. What proposals or solutions has SYPHARGA suggested to address these payment issues?
**Dr. Nguema:** We have consistently advocated for a review of the payment structures and processes within CNAMGS. Our recommendations include more stringent adherence to payment timelines and improved communication between pharmacists and the fund. Unfortunately, these proposals have not yet been implemented, exacerbating the challenges we face as service providers.
**Editor:** With the constitutional referendum approaching on November 16, do you think this suspension could have broader implications for the political climate in Gabon?
**Dr. Nguema:** The timing is certainly critical. While our primary concern is the financial stability of pharmacies and the well-being of patients, the situation may bring increased attention to the urgent need for reforms in our healthcare system. We hope this will prompt not just discussions but concrete actions to resolve outstanding debts and improve the functioning of CNAMGS.
**Editor:** What message do you want to convey to the government and the public through this action?
**Dr. Nguema:** We want to emphasize that we are committed to the health and well-being of the Gabonese people. Our actions are a call to the government to recognize and address the systemic issues within the CNAMGS. We urge them to take immediate steps to settle debts, as this is crucial not just for pharmacists, but ultimately for the health and care of the community we serve.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Nguema, for shedding light on this important issue. We hope for a resolution that benefits both the pharmacists and the patients.
**Dr. Nguema:** Thank you for having me.