In less than two years since its launch, Wella Medical Aid Society (WEMAS) has introduced Biometric Smartcard system which is set to revolutionize insurance healthcare claims service.
Launched on Tuesday, 23rd February, 2021, at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre, the biometric smartcard system is touted to be the game changer on the medical insurance market as it simplifies the access to medical care for WEMAS members throughout the country.
It will also facilitate the quick submission of claims for their service providers- hospitals and pharmacies among others- leading to faster claims payments- making this to be the first to run a paperless claiming system in the country.
WEMAS will be able to receive electronic claims on a real time basis thus making it possible to reduce the time taken to pay claims.
The high-tech system has been created in partnership with Kenyan company, Smart Applications International Ltd, a leading biometric ICT service provider that is now operating in 10 countries across Africa- Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Tanzania, South Sudan, Somalia, Somaliland, DRC and now Malawi.
At the official launch, WEMAS Chief Executive Officer, MacDonald Wella said this marks another milestone in their journey of being the most innovative medical scheme in Malawi.
“The launch of the biometric smartcard system is a clear sign that WEMAS lives true to its mission of being the most innovative medical scheme in Malawi,” he said.
“In addition, one of the key benefits to members the solution provides is the transparency that this system will bring, members will be able to monitor their benefit balances each time they go to the hospital.”
“Our market is full of secrecy as far as member benefits are concerned and this secrecy results into mistrust from members of medical schemes which in turn breeds fraudulent claims.”
“We have sang the song of combating fraud on our market for too long but without any action. Now WEMAS is leading so that all the other medical schemes can follow.”
“The battle against fraudulent claims is almost won here,” he said of the system in which the members’ benefits are well secured as it needs a fingerprint identification process.
When medical insured patients access services in hospitals or pharmacies, they are required to fill in claim forms which the service providers channel to the medical scheme society for their financial claims.
Wella assured its members that the new technology will help WEMAS members’ easy access to health services, automation of manual processes and elimination of paperwork leading to higher efficiency and faster payment to healthcare facilities.