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Mthabisi Tshuma [email protected]

IN a move to ensure easy access to healthcare services in the country, state-owned mobile network operator NetOne has partnered with Salutem International Medical Fund to launch an innovative healthcare product.

The Salutem One Health product, accessible through NetOne’s mobile money platform OneMoney, offers essential medical coverage for just US$1 per month.

Speaking at the launch held recently at a local hotel in Harare, NetOne Group Chief Executive Officer Engineer Raphael Mushanawani in a speech read on his behalf by OneMoney Operations executive Mrs Nancy Murove, said the partnership is significant as it will advance universal healthcare access.

“Today marks an inspiring moment as we announce a powerful collaboration between NetOne’s OneMoney and Salutem International Medical Fund. The launch of the Salutem One Health Product represents a major step toward our shared vision of making essential healthcare affordable and accessible to all Zimbabweans, a goal rooted deeply in our commitment to national well-being.

“This collaboration with Salutem reflects our collective response to the need for expanded healthcare coverage in Zimbabwe, where many citizens are currently without medical coverage. 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,” said Eng Mushanawani.

He said the OneMoney’s platform which is 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.

OneMoney Operations executive Mrs Nancy Murove delivers a speech on behalf of Netone group CEO Eng Raphael Mushanawani

“Through this collaboration, we are 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 or USSD (*501#), citizens will be able to process their claims independently and access services directly,” said Engineer Mushanawani.

He said the 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 Mushanawani.

NetOne Chief Commercial Officer Mr Learnmore Musunda said the development is an introduction to the seamless integration of technology in healthcare delivery. He said there are life-changing programmes which they will initiate before year’s end in collaboration with First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.

“Through OneMoney’s platform, which is recognised for its secure, real-time payment capabilities, we are enabling efficient healthcare payments. Users can register dependents, transact instantly, and receive real-time claims processing without the burden of shortfalls.

“As part of our commitment to giving back to the community, we are delighted to announce that NetOne will be conducting the annual trolley dash with the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Mnangagwa. This Christmas cheer initiative demonstrates our ongoing dedication to making a positive impact in our communities,” said Mr Musunda.

Salutem managing director Mr Ruka Nyoka said the product’s role will help 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.

“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 mobile application or USSD (*501#) – WhatsApp integration for claims processing. 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,” he said.

“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 Mr Nyoka.

@mthabisi_mthire