Dear Editor,
Before workers can gain access to their salaries NIS contributions are deducted, we have no choice in the matter. Yet when one submits a claim the NIS do their best to frustrate the contributor. I can only assume from this behaviour that the hassle is to discourage contributors from submitting claims.
In April, I decided to submit a claim to the NIS office at Melanie, E.C.D, for an outpatient visit at Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital which amounted to a very small sum. I was told that I had to visit the doctor again for him to write ‘clearer’ on the NIS form. I found this directive not only unreasonable and a waste of my time but also a ploy to discourage me from submitting my claim. I asked to speak to a supervisor and pointed out to her that although the doctor doesn’t have the best handwriting it is still legible. She assured that she would let the claim ‘go through’ but can’t guarantee anything. Recently, I contacted the NIS office about the status of my claim and was told that the doctor needs to write clearer!
Editor, I visited a well-known hospital not an unknown bottom house establishment. All of my receipts which were full sheets of paper were printed and stamped; they contained the required personal information. The only paper that had to be filled out by hand was the NIS form with my diagnosis that was also stamped and signed. Furthermore, before I could have even taken my claim to the NIS office I had to visit the RDC accounts department which can only be visited on Wednesdays for NIS matters. There I presented all receipts and NIS form and card to the clerk who examined the documents, did what was required and returned them to me. Yet the NIS refuses to process my single claim. I must go in search of a busy doctor during my working hours for him to form his letters better although all stamped receipts for this single claim have my name, address, DOB, telephone number, time and date of visit etc., printed on them!
Due to the hassle in terms of having to get the medical personnel to fill out the NIS form then visiting the RDC and ultimately having frivolous excuses thrown at me by the NIS for not accepting my claim which could cause a range of stress related medical issues I rarely ever submit claims. As confirmed by the staff, the last time I submitted a claim was in 2014 for a routine outpatient visit. Although NIS contributions have been deducted from my salary for many years, I have submitted claims less than 5 times. Every time I submitted claims the NIS always found fault with the doctors’ handwriting although the norm is for this form to be filled out by hand. Apparently, no doctor can write well enough for the NIS so they embark on a mission to frustrate the contributor by having him/her waste time and money by taking time off from work to search for the doctor.
Previously, I tolerated this nonsense then other hurdles were thrown. Once, a ‘nurse’ at the NIS office questioned me extensively on whether I requested an X-ray as if I, the patient would visit a doctor and tell him/her what tests are required and diagnose myself. This is the sort of absurdity one has to put up with. Apart from the hassle of having the ‘poor’ handwriting excuse thrown, one gives up their right to privacy and confidentiality. One is questioned and treated as a hypochondriac who has nothing better to with their time than visit the doctor. The NIS experience is truly nightmarish. Editor, I do hope that a competent person can reexamine my claim and spare the absurd excuse about poor handwriting.
Sincerely,
Narissa Deokarran
