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Gibson Mhaka
AS part of its efforts to make essential healthcare affordable and accessible to all Zimbabweans, NetOne, one of the country’s mobile network providers, has partnered with Salutem International Medical Fund to launch an innovative healthcare product, Salutem One Health Product, aimed at increasing access to primary healthcare services across the country.
The Salutem One Health product is accessible through NetOne’s mobile money platform, OneMoney, and offers essential medical coverage for just US$1 per month.
Speaking at the launch in Harare on Tuesday, NetOne group chief executive officer Engineer Raphael Mushanawani emphasised the significance of the partnership in advancing universal healthcare access, saying this reflects the collective response to the need for expanded healthcare coverage in Zimbabwe, where many citizens are currently without medical cover.
“This collaboration with Salutem reflects our collective response to the need for expanded healthcare coverage in Zimbabwe, where many citizens are currently without medical cover. Salutem’s One Dollar Product offers an affordable gateway to essential healthcare services, reducing strain on public facilities and easing pressure on the national health budget. “Together, we aim to extend quality healthcare access nationwide, a fundamental step toward Universal Healthcare.
“OneMoney’s platform, recognised for its secure, real-time payment capabilities, will support Salutem’s mission by enabling efficient, seamless healthcare payments.
“The OneMoney card and Salutem mobile application will allow citizens to register dependents, transact instantly, and receive real-time claims processing without the burden of shortfalls, ensuring that doctors and pharmacies receive payments instantly and reliably,” said Eng Mushanawani.
He said through this collaboration, they were also creating a foundation for a National Health Insurance scheme, aligned with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
“With a three-month waiting period, no age limit on dependents, and access to an extensive network of healthcare providers, Salutem One Health will support patients in accessing essential healthcare through modern, digital channels.
“By using the Salutem mobile application, citizens will be able to process their claims independently and access services directly. Our integration with Salutem provides flexible options, from mobile apps and USSD to WhatsApp claims processing, empowering citizens to use accessible technology and OneMoney’s platform for healthcare payments whenever and wherever they need.
“This partnership is part of NetOne’s broader mission to bridge the digital divide in
Zimbabwe and advance a thriving digital economy that includes every citizen. By bringing technology into healthcare, we are actively shaping a future where economic and geographic limitations no longer stand in the way of basic health services,” said Eng Mushawani.
Speaking at the same event, Salutem managing director Ruka Nyoka emphasised the product’s role in advancing national healthcare objectives.
“The Salutem One Health product is designed to support inclusive healthcare in Zimbabwe and increase access to primary healthcare without financial hardship.
“This initiative will help decongest public facilities and reduce fiscal pressure on the health budget,” Nyoka said.
He said key features of the product include real-time claims processing and instant payments to healthcare providers, registration of unlimited dependents with no age restrictions, nationwide access to general practitioners and pharmacies, and self-service claim processing through a mobile application.
“The product comes with a three-month waiting period for new members, during which subscriptions must be paid consistently to maintain coverage. Services are limited to treatment within Zimbabwe’s borders.
This partnership represents a significant step toward increasing medical aid coverage in Zimbabwe, where approximately 90 percent of the population currently lacks access to medical insurance.
“Through this initiative, NetOne and Salutem aim to create a foundation for Universal Healthcare and National Health Insurance, aligned with the country’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1),” said Nyoka.
derick.khumalo