Salutem International Medical Fund

Key Highlights from Our Launch

On August 1, 2024, Salutem International Medical Fund launched officially in Zimbabwe — a milestone in healthcare innovation. Here are the most memorable moments and powerful insights from the speeches delivered by our leadership and honored guests:

Dr. Lance Shingai Mambondiani (Board Chairman) Insightful Leadership & Vision

  • Dr. Mambondiani spoke eloquently about the mission of Salutem to redefine medical aid in Zimbabwe using digital tools, stressing that innovation must be both inclusive and sustainable.

  • He emphasized the importance of trust — between members, service providers, and service funders — and how real-time systems can restore and maintain that trust.

  • His background in financial services and digital banking lends credibility, as he highlighted how lessons from fintech and banking sectors are being borrowed to streamline medical aid.

  • He also underscored governance, strong leadership, and transparency as core pillars for Salutem’s success.

Mr. Ruka Nyoka (Managing Director) Innovation & Efficiency in Action

  • Mr. Nyoka announced the real‐time claims processing system (RTCPS), explaining how claims will now be processed in 60 seconds instead of the traditional long wait of up to 60 days.

  • He described how members can access the system via WhatsApp, mobile app, USSD, and online portal — making health service access seamless and multi-channel.

  • He stressed the importance of integrating visa and ZimSwitch for our membership cards to double up as transactional tools, reducing friction at the point of service.

  • He called the system “listening to practitioners and members” — Salutem is responding to a widespread need for faster, more reliable medical aid service.

Hon. Minister of ICT Dr. Tatenda Mavetera Government Endorsement & ICT-Health Convergence

  • Dr. Mavetera praised Salutem for using technology as a bridge to improve accessibility and reliability in healthcare.

  • She committed to support for digital infrastructure, ICT literacy, and policies that enable rural and underserved communities to benefit.

  • Emphasized the role of medical aid innovation in national development strategies, especially in bridging gaps in service delivery.

Mr. N. Madzikwa (Ministry of Health) Public Health & Trust Building

  • Mr. Madzikwa spoke about how Salutem’s model addresses long-standing issues in healthcare financing, especially delayed payments to service providers, which affect quality and availability of care.

  • Highlighted the benefit of instant payments and claims processing — it will reduce provider shortfalls and out-of-pocket expenses for patients.

  • Reinforced the Ministry’s commitment to regulating and partnering with innovative medical aid organizations to safeguard patient rights and maintain standards.

Demonstration by COO Mufudzi Mupunganyi - How It Works: Live Demo

  • The COO provided a hands-on walkthrough of the Salutem system: submitting claims, checking reports, accessing invoices, and using the transactional card at providers.

  • Showed the user experience from both member and provider sides, illustrating speed, transparency, and ease of use.

Vote of Thanks – Mrs. Roseline Nhamo Gratitude & Forward Momentum

  • Mrs. Nhamo closed the event by thanking all participants, guests, and partners for believing in Salutem’s vision.

  • Reinforced commitment to follow through on promises made — ensuring members truly experience healthcare that is fast, fair, and accessible.

  • Called for ongoing collaboration: service providers, government, communities, and members all have roles in shaping this new model.

Looking Ahead

This launch was more than just speeches — it introduced concrete change: quicker claims, service provider trust, and healthcare that meets people where they are. At Salutem, we see this as the beginning of a journey: bringing modern, affordable, and transparent medical aid to all in Zimbabwe. Stay tuned for more updates, innovations, and impact.