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Tapiwa Mutizamhepo Herald Reporter

Old Mutual has entered into a partnership with ACE Air and Ambulance services which will see the insurance firm’s clients accessing air ambulance in emergency situations through monthly contributions of $40.

The development is in line with Government’s thrust espoused under Vision 2030 and the Transitional Stabilisation Programme which seeks to make healthcare available and affordable to ordinary Zimbabweans.

Speaking to journalists at the launch of the Emergency Medical Rescue Package in Harare on Tuesday, Old Mutual managing director Mr Shepherd Fungura said the move was aimed at satisfying their clients’ needs.

“The product seeks to provide affordable options in times of emergencies, hence we think it’s necessary because after accidents and other emergencies, many people do not get immediate help, unfortunately sometimes some of the cases are a matter of life and death, and some people actually unfortunately pass away when they could have been assisted on time, he said.

“When we looked at the responses we were getting from our customers when we asked them what they wanted from us, the issues around health were raised and that’s where we thought perhaps we should offer this service to our clients.

“The facilities we are offering are that Ace Air and Ambulance provide either road or air ambulance service to get our clients to hospital and for that, one has to pay $40 per month.

Mr Fungura said the pricing system took into account the macro-economic situation in the country.

“We think the cost of the product is reasonable. When we look at things that we buy on a daily basis, you will realise that the price is not too much as compared to the service one will get,” he said.

Recently, ACE Air and Ambulance partnered Government in launching the first public air ambulance which is expected to assist patients in accessing emergency healthcare services at affordable rates under Government’s public private partnership (PPP) thrust.

The air and ambulance services company played a pivotal role together with the Airforce of Zimbabwe in providing emergency evacuation services to communities affected by the devastating disaster of Cyclone Idai in March, which mostly affected parts of Manicaland Province.