In a bid to enhance a digital economy centered on smart healthcare, NetOne, one of Zimbabwe’s leading mobile network providers, has partnered with Zim Smart Village to inaugurate a new OneHealth Telemedicine Virtual Hospital in Chirumhanzu South.
This facility is the latest addition to a growing network of more than 22 telemedicine booths established throughout the country.
The successful rollout of these telemedicine booths underscores the Government’s dedication to utilizing technology for social progress. This initiative exemplifies how public-private partnerships, such as the collaboration between NetOne and Zim Smart Village, can significantly improve healthcare delivery.
Spearheaded by First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, this program represents a groundbreaking approach to making healthcare more accessible, particularly in remote and underserved areas. It aligns closely with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), emphasizing the vital role of technology in enhancing public services and achieving universal health coverage.
During the commissioning ceremony, Learnmore Musunda, NetOne’s acting group CEO, spoke about the transformative impact of the virtual hospital system. “This visionary project bridges the gap between healthcare providers and communities, ensuring that even the most remote areas have access to quality medical care,” he stated.
Dr. Admore Jokwiro, CEO of Zim Smart Village, highlighted the importance of this initiative in modern healthcare. “The virtual hospitals signify a significant shift in healthcare delivery, removing the need for long journeys to receive medical consultations. Patients can now connect with healthcare professionals remotely, obtaining timely medical advice and care through digital platforms. This innovation is especially crucial in rural areas where specialized medical services have traditionally been scarce,” Dr. Jokwiro explained.
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Barbara Rwodzi, Member of Parliament for Chirumhanzu South and Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, attended as the guest of honor. She encouraged the local community to take full advantage of this new facility. “The telemedicine initiative strongly supports Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 agenda to become an upper-middle-income economy by harnessing digital solutions to tackle healthcare challenges. It also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by enhancing access to healthcare services for marginalized communities,” Minister Rwodzi remarked.
