STAFF REPORTER
OLD Mutual Zimbabwe on Thursday unveiled a free ZWL$2bln life insurance cover to benefit the country’s health professionals who are on the front line to fight the deadly coronavirus.
Zimbabwe has so far recorded 11 cases of the disease, which is also known as COVID-19, and three deaths.
Speaking during a Zoom video meeting ,Old Mutual Zimbabwe chief executive officer, Sam Matsekete, said in the event of losing the life of a health worker, Old Mutual undertakes up to 12 times monthly basic salary to the surviving family of the practitioner.
The package will cover the lives of health professionals who battle to save the lives of Zimbabweans, for tge initial period of six months from April to September 30, 2020 for free.
There after, it will be offered at a discount.
“In this period of crisis, we have mobilised to work alongside those who are fighting the pandemic, which is why we have decided to make this practical gesture of support to our hospital staff, who are working to ensure adequate care for patients as well as universities which are innovating to produce key materials required to fight the pandemic,” Matsekete said.
“Unlike with traditional cover offered, this is neither a product nor a policy and no premiums will be recovered on it during the six months free period. To qualify, health professionals have to register with Old Mutual to receive free cover for six months. Health professionals will be offered the opportunity to continue the cover beyond six months at a discounted cost.”
During the scheme,COVID-19 death and accidental death are covered immediately, while death from any other causes have a three month waiting period.
Old Mutual has also extended funding to Sally Mugabe Hospita(formerly Harare Central Hospital)l and Thorngroove Hospital in Bulawayo as well as Africa University and Chinhoyi University of Science Education to ramp up production of sanitizers and face masks respectively.
“In addition, as responsible businesses, Old Mutual together with its banking subsidiary CABS have put together a further ZW$3.5 million towards the fight against COVID-19. The Group will provide healthcare staff at Harare Hospital and at Thorngroove in Bulawayo with protective gear, and will assist Africa University in Mutare and Chinhoyi University of Science Education to ramp up production of sanitisers and face masks respectively.
In consultation with health authorities, Old Mutual and CABS will be providing 300 protective kits to health workers at Harare Hospital and 200 at Thorngroove Hospital in Bulawayo.
Each protective kit includes two PVC aprons, two cotton gowns, 10 respirators, 10 overshoes and one box of latex gloves,” Matsekete added.
The vice Chancellor of Africa Universiry , Munashe Furusa, said the Old Mutual donation was crucial in supporting efforts to reduce COVID-19 infections.
“As a university, we strongly believe that stopping one infection today will prevent several times as many infections in the future. The grant has therefore come at an important time when Africa University is scaling up its efforts to innovate and produce products that assist in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
This particular donation will support the mass production of the hand sanitiser produced by Africa University research teams. The mass production of the hand sanitiser will start before the end of this week. We cherish the strong partnership we have with Old Mutual. Such partnerships between Universities and Business community are what accelerate national development and provide solutions to our urgent problems,” Furusa said.
Vice Chairperson of Business Fighting COVID-19, Lance Mambondiani, who is also the Finance and Resource Mobilisation Fundraising Lead for the Trust said: “After Seed Co, Old Mutual is the second major corporate that BFC-19 Trust is partnering with.
“This extension of a life cover to health staff demonstrates the incredible collaborative spirit that the Zimbabwean business sector has shown in responding to this crisis and channelling resources to where the need is greatest.
The Old Mutual donation for PPE goes a long way in protecting the heroes and heroines operating on the front line in fighting COVID-19.
The donation also enhances the productive capabilities of our local tertiary institutions to accelerate the innovation and production of personal protective equipment at both Chinhoyi and Africa University.”
