Staff Writer
In a significant leap forward for healthcare in Zimbabwe, NetOne and Zim Smart Village have launched another OneHealth Telemedicine Virtual Hospital in Chirumhanzu, marking the latest addition to the rapidly expanding network of over 22 telemedicine booths across the nation.
This transformative initiative, spearheaded by Zimbabwe’s First Lady, Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, is redefining healthcare accessibility, particularly for underserved and remote communities.
The program aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), underscoring the importance of technology in advancing public service delivery and achieving universal health coverage.
At the launch event, NetOne’s Acting Group CEO, Mr. Learnmore Musunda, emphasized the revolutionary potential 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,” Musunda remarked.
Dr. Jokwiro, CEO of Zim Smart Village, underscored the initiative’s transformative role in modern healthcare delivery. “The virtual hospitals mark a paradigm shift, removing the need for long-distance travel for medical consultations,” he stated.
“Through these digital platforms, patients can connect with healthcare professionals remotely, receiving timely advice and care. This innovation is particularly vital in rural areas where access to specialized medical care has been historically limited.”
The event also featured Honorable Minister Barbra Rodzi, Member of Parliament for Chirumhanzu, who served as the guest of honor.
She encouraged her constituents to take full advantage of the new facility and emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to elevate Zimbabwe to an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
“This telemedicine initiative is a key driver of Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 goal to become an upper-middle-income economy, using digital solutions to overcome healthcare challenges,” Minister Rodzi explained. “Chirumhanzu has been prioritized by the government—make sure to utilize this facility to its full potential, so we can extend this model to other communities.”
She concluded, “This initiative also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), by improving healthcare access in marginalized communities.”
With more than 22 telemedicine booths now operational, the program showcases the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for social development.
The partnership between NetOne and Zim Smart Village highlights the power of public-private collaboration in driving impactful change in healthcare delivery.
As Zimbabwe continues its digital transformation, the telemedicine initiative stands as a testament to the country’s progress toward its development goals, ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing essential healthcare services.
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