Econet in clarion call for health sector revival

Beaven Dhliwayo Herald Correspondent
Higherlife foundation (HLF) yesterday called well-wishers to come on board and donate towards the revival of the health sector in the country.

Moble network provider, Econet, has since launched an EcoCash biller code – 78390 – where all funds will be channeled to identified needs of doctors and hospitals. Recently, HLF launched an initiative to help get doctors back to work, when it announced a $100 million training fellowship for junior and senior doctors, as well as consultants.

Benefits presented by the fellowship include a non-negotiable monthly “subsistence allowance” of $5 000 which will be given to doctors on proof of being on duty at the specified institution for the duration of the month.  The doctors also get a smartphone along with a Vaya carpool voucher to access the hospital thrice a day.

This has seen 365 doctors taking up the HLF offer – which will positively improve medical service provision in the country. Through its “Save Our Hospitals Initiative” the Econet Group has pledged to revive the health sector by providing connectivity, communication tools, power, water, transport amongst others.

Addressing delegates in the capital, HIF chief executive officer, Kennedy Mubaiwa said it is high time everyone in the country comes on board and helps revive the health sector.

“Let’s stand together for the betterment of our health sector. Let’s all support the HIF hospital initiative through donating any amount that can help towards the procurement of doctors and hospitals start up kits,” he said.

Econet CEO, Douglas Mboweni said everyone, from individuals to big corporates should join hands and support the health initiative.

“As you are aware our hospitals have not been functional for over three months and this is impacting our customers, our families and ourselves even in a very personal way,” he said.

“Many are forced to pay for expensive alternatives or having to lose a relative in deaths that could have been avoidable. We have to do whatever we can to support the health sector.”

It is not the first time Econet has set up a biller code to assist in solving national disasters. After the devastating Cyclone Idai that swept away bridges and homes in Eastern Zimbabwe it set up a biller code merely for donations.