Bomaid celebrates Golden Jubilee, pledges unparalleled healthcare solutions

Bomaid Board Chairman Emmanuel Maite Bomaid CEO, Moraki Mokgosana

Established in 1970, Botswana Medical Aid Fund (Bomaid) prides itself on 50 years of impacting people’s lives through providing access to quality healthcare. The organisation aims to improve or maintain its members’ health and contribute to the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal 3 and ensuring that its members will continue to enjoy unparalleled access to healthcare. Bomaid clocked 50 last year but could not celebrate the occasion due to the Covid-19 outbreak and movement restrictions enforced by government to curb the spread of the virus. To celebrate the anniversary this year, it will run a testimonial campaign in which some of the members will be sharing the companionship Bomaid offered them at the time of need.

Bomaid Board Chairman, Emmanuel Maite said despite the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, they have entered 2021 with much optimism about the future of Bomaid.

“I am proud to report that through the foresight of the 2017-2021 Strategy we have realised, and in some cases exceeded, much of what we aimed to achieve. As we have started to plan for the next five years, we are excited and reinvigorated by the opportunities that we see in the horizon,” said Maite. By the beginning of the first lockdown in Botswana in April 2020, Bomaid board had approved the enhancement of benefits to support our members who were at risk of exposure. These included a variety of interventions and provided for supplements, testing, emotional support and hospitalisation. This is in addition to the existing arrangement that was in place for evacuation of members to health facilities.

Additionally, in support of government’s initiative to combat the pandemic, the Board also approved a P2 million donation to the Presidential Covid-19 Fund.

BWP 30 million aimed at managing the potential risks posed by this disease to our members,” said Maite. Maite said their intention is to strive to achieve the singular goal of positioning Bomaid as “The companion, for healthier happier lives.” He also expressed gratitude to the past boards reiterating that they are privileged for the opportunity to continue to grow Bomaid from strength to strength. “We are also honoured to play a role in contributing to the wellness, health and, ultimately, the happiness of Batswana and to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.” Bomaid’s strategic initiatives are underpinned by its technology and innovation strategy which is a key part of the successful achievement of becoming a self- administered fund. The new core system manages the company’s transactions, contributions and claims amongst other key functions. Maite highlighted that they achieved implementation within budget and set timelines.

“We believe this is a key initiative that will reduce costs and increase efficiencies and support better service delivery to our members. The shift was in line with modern business trends that rely on digitization and technology to support business strategy. Despite great strides made in this regard, cybersecurity is an emerging risk that requires close monitoring and mitigation,” said Maite.

He also pointed that the company aims to improve the type of services they deliver to members. “With 10 months of claims cover at the end of 2020, we are comfortable that Bomaid is not only adequately capitalised the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic but to remain sustainable for another 50 years and beyond”. In his remarks, Bomaid Chief Operations Officer, Thato Kubu said they will continue to share their success story in various media platforms, including TV, Radio, newspapers and magazines. “In addition, we intend to recognise, in a special way, some of the first Bomaid members and Healthcare Providers. We will also have a campaign where Bomaid leadership will take the lead in demonstrating the value of living a physically active life, something that resonates with the ethos of Bomaid,” said Kubu.

Bomaid COO, Thato Kubu