NetOne launch dollar-a-month medical cover

In a bid to increase healthcare access in Zimbabwe, state-owned mobile network operator NetOne has teamed up with Salutem International Medical Fund to launch an innovative, low-cost healthcare product. The new Salutem One Health plan, accessible via NetOne's OneMoney mobile money platform, offers essential medical coverage for as little as US$1 per month.

The launch event, held recently in Harare, showcased the partnership's aim to advance universal healthcare access across Zimbabwe. In a speech delivered on behalf of NetOne Group CEO Engineer Raphael Mushanawani by OneMoney Operations Executive Mrs. Nancy Murove, Mushanawani expressed the significance of this collaboration.

"Today marks a powerful collaboration between NetOne's OneMoney and Salutem International Medical Fund. The Salutem One Health Product is a major step toward our shared vision of affordable, accessible healthcare for all Zimbabweans, in alignment with our commitment to national well-being," he said.

Mushanawani highlighted the potential impact of Salutem's One Dollar Product, which aims to reduce strain on public health facilities while easing pressure on the national health budget. "Through this initiative, we are laying the foundation for a National Health Insurance scheme, aligned with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1)," he added.

The product, supported by OneMoney's secure, real-time payment features, allows seamless healthcare payments for users. It includes flexible registration options, enabling users to register dependents, transact instantly, and receive real-time claims processing without shortfalls. Accessible via the Salutem mobile app, USSD (*501#), or WhatsApp, the platform enables users to process claims and access services with ease.

"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," Mushanawani added. "By integrating technology into healthcare, we are shaping a future where economic and geographic barriers no longer restrict access to essential health services."

NetOne's Chief Commercial Officer Mr. Learnmore Musunda emphasized that the platform would continue to support digital healthcare advancements. Additionally, Musunda announced upcoming community programs in partnership with First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, including the annual Christmas charity event, the Trolley Dash.

Salutem Managing Director Mr. Ruka Nyoka noted the product's potential to ease pressure on public facilities by enabling affordable, primary healthcare access. Key features of Salutem One Health include real-time claims processing, instant payments to providers, and flexible access across healthcare facilities in Zimbabwe. The plan also allows unlimited dependent registration with no age restrictions and has a three-month waiting period for new members.

"This product supports Zimbabwe's national healthcare objectives by increasing medical aid coverage, with nearly 90 percent of the population currently lacking access to medical insurance," Nyoka said. "Together with NetOne, we are building the groundwork for Universal Healthcare and a National Health Insurance scheme."

With its cost-effective model, Salutem One Health aims to bridge a critical gap in Zimbabwe's healthcare system, promoting a healthier future and more inclusive healthcare for the nation.