Liberia: Unrealistic and Blanket Statement: Saar Insurance Describes Call From Aggrieved Teachers For Cancellation Of Health Services Contract With NTAL

The Management of Saar Insurance Company has raised serious concerns over what it described “unjustified” call from aggrieved members of the National Teachers Association of Liberia (NTAL) to cancel its provision of health insurance services contract signed with the institution and approved by the Ministry of Education.

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By Obediah Johnson

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It can be recalled that the aggrieved teachers recently staged a peaceful protest at the headquarters of the NTAL against their leadership headed by Madam Mary Nyumah.

In a 17-count petition, the aggrieved teachers demanded a comprehensive audit of the institution’s account and the reinstatement of their National Security General Samuel Johnson in keeping with a ruling from the labour court.

They also called for the cancellation of the insurance contract signed with SAAR Insurance.

However, they failed to state reasons why the contract should be cancelled.

But addressing a news conference in Monrovia on Tuesday, October 13, the Deputy Managing Director of Saar Insurance, Philip Tamba Cooper, said the company is taken aback by the “blanket statement” made by the aggrieved teachers for the termination of its contract with the NTAL.

He observed that no realistic and justifiable reasons were given by the aggrieved teachers for the cancellation of the contract.

He pointed out that since its establishment in Liberia several years ago, Saar Insurance has been committed to fulfilling all terms and conditions enshrined in contracts signed with its clients, including the Ministry of Education, NTAL and other clients across the country.

Cooper disclosed that the company pays between US$400,000 to US$500, 000 monthly as medical claims to hospitals, clinics and other medical facilities which treated their clients and their respective beneficiaries.

He stressed that though the company remains willing to listen to the concerns of the aggrieved teachers, their call for the cancellation of the contract without any cogent reasons is unacceptable.

“Contract issue is administrative and those who are in authority that supposed to do contract and award it know that we are performing and living up to the terms and conditions of the contract. Our medical service forms and ID cards are financial instruments that our clients can take anywhere, and they cannot be denied. We have hospitals and clinics in almost all of the 15 counties.”

Cooper, however, encouraged the aggrieved teachers to channel their grievances in a peaceful manner instead of using its contract signed with the NTAL as a scapegoat to settle scores with their leadership.

He said the company is not troubled by any call for the cancellation of its contract because, it continues to act in line with the terms and conditions in the respective contracts signed with its clients.

Speaking further, Cooper pointed out that the company has put in adequate systems and modified its policy to protect and guarantee the welfare of clients.

He added that principle insured can now access medical centers and hospitals with only their Identification or medical insurance cards, instead of the medical health insurance forms that are regularly used for their beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, the company raised concerns over the abuse of its insurance policy by others.

Individuals who are not insured normally visit hospitals, medical and other health facilities to seek medical treatment with the insurance ID cards of others.

Cooper said the company has confiscated scores of fraudulent ID cards that were attempted to be used by them.

He, however, used the occasion to call on Liberian journalists to always cross-check their stories before publication.

Cooper further cautioned against the fabrication of new stories and the practice of yellow journalism in Liberia.

He assured clients that the company would continue to improve and add value to its insurance schemes and services being rendered.

He stressed that Saar Insurance would also pay its claims on time.