ICT to cut non-core medical aid costs

Ivan Zhakata, Herald Correspondent

The use of information communication technology enhances healthcare competitiveness and its use will eliminate out-of-pocket expenditure and non-core medical aid costs, Minister of ICTs, Postal and Courier Services Dr Tatenda Mavetera said recently.

Speaking at the launch of the Salutem International Medical Aid Fund in Harare, Minister Mavetera said as a nation, Zimbabweans had to continue to come up with ICT-based innovations that were simple but had a high positive impact on their well-being.

It was only when people used technology to improve lives that they could truly say that they are building Zimbabwe.

“As a Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services we have a rich history of collaborating with the Ministry of Health and Child Care to come up with innovations such as telemedicine to improve access to health for all, as we aim to leave no one and no place behind,” she said.

“We will continue to support the health sector by promoting ICT literacy and use, as well as develop supportive and enabling infrastructure to ensure equitable access to healthcare including to disadvantaged groups and rural communities.

“It is gratifying to see private sector players such as Salutem take up the mantle to assist the Government in improving access to affordable healthcare for Zimbabweans.

“As it is, the 2024 first quarter postal and telecommunications sector performance report indicates an internet penetration rate increase to 75,36 percent with the total number of active data and internet subscriptions breaching the 11,5 million mark. I challenge this sector to make the best use of such milestones and enablers,” said Minister Mavetera.

Managing director of Salutem International Medical Fund Mr Ruka Nyoka said the company was founded on the power of technology to transform the healthcare system by leveraging on latest technological advancements.

“We aim to provide real-time support and seamless access to medical services making healthcare more efficient and effective,” he said.

“The Zimbabwean Constitution guarantees access to healthcare. Put differently, in terms of the Constitution, access to healthcare is not a privilege but a right of all Zimbabweans. We are here to complement Government efforts and make this a reality.

“It is no secret that the medical aid space and healthcare coverage is saddled with a plethora of challenges; statistics show that about 90 percent of the population in this country is not covered by medical aid largely due to the high cost of healthcare. Late settlement of claims has added to a long-standing Mexican standoff between healthcare funders, service providers and members.”

Mr Nyoka said shortfalls had resulted in high out-of-pocket expenditure for households, which currently compared unfavourably with others in the region.