The Botswana Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) and the Ministry of Health last week signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as a sign of an effective case management framework.
This happened after the two parties had consulted on how to effectively nurture their relationship for the benefit of their customers.
The MoU was signed during a case management workshop jointly held by the two MVA Funds from Botswana and Namibia.
In his keynote address, Jerry Muadinohamba, the Chief Executive Officer of MVA Fund Namibia, said progressive accidents funds must expand their resources largely on injury prevention and safety promotion.
He also highlighted the three basic principles of running a motor vehicle accident scheme, which are sustainability, affordability and accessibility.
He added that all forms of intervention made in any processes must bring desired effect, without negatively affecting the cost side.
“Gone are the days when Funds like the MVA Fund were perceived as pots of gold, from which the public claimed substantial money under the guise of compensation for personal loss,” said Muadinohamba.
MVA Fund Botswana Chief Executive Officer, Cross Kgosidiile, said he appreciated the relationship with the Ministry of Health, which was as old as the fund itself, adding that the core of the relationship was human life.
“Both of us have the moral and professional obligation to preserve human life,” Kgosidiile said. “We are mandated to enhance quality life by promoting road safety, compensating rehabilitating and supporting those affected by the road crashes.”
He said recent statistics showed that deaths resulting from road crashes are the second highest after those from HIV/AIDS.
“However, research indicates that during the years 2008 to 2030 road accidents shall overtake HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis as the number one cause of death globally,” said Kgosidiile.
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Kolaatamo Malefho, said that his ministry plays a big role in saving lives, protecting nature and restoring lives.
Malefho also highlighted the importance of good hospital care and rehabilitation.
“We have formalized our relationship with MVA fund and the importance of strategic partnership cannot be over emphasized. We have looked at various areas where there is need for strategic partnership and we are helping in the prevention of accidents and reckless driving,” he said.
Swaziland and South Africa MVA counterparts took part in the case management workshop, as well as allied agencies like Princess Marina Hospital, Gaborone Private Hospital, Bokamoso Private Hospital and Emergency Medical Services.
