malvernmugadzikwa
Emmanuel Kafe
THIRTEEN e-health centres will be launched across the country this month as part of the Government’s efforts to enhance health service delivery in rural areas.
Most of the centres will be located at Zimpost premises.
Overall, plans are underway to roll out 73 e-health centres in previously marginalised areas this year alone.
The initiative is a result of a public-private partnership between the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, and ZimSmart Villages, a local telemedicine service provider.
Through the collaboration, ZimSmart Villages ensures the availability of doctors for online consultations, while TelOne — the State-owned telecommunications provider — ensures reliable internet connectivity.
Additionally, Zimpost, the national postal service, facilitates the smooth movement of blood samples, medicines and other necessary items from the city to the village.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Zimpost postmaster-general Mr Maxwell Chitendeni said: “The 13 e-health centres are expected to be opened in Beatrice, Headlands, Nyazura, Nyanga, Nyamaropa, Hauna, Zvishavane, Mberengwa, Shurugwi, Gutu-Mpandawana, Nyika, Murambinda and Redcliff.”
The telehealth centres are part of the “smart concept under e-health” being adopted by Zimpost. They also represent a broader effort by the Government to revolutionise healthcare services in rural areas.
Zimpost, Mr Chitendeni said, plays a vital role in the rollout of e-health kiosks, as they “strive to diversify and expand their services, embracing the concept of smart post offices”.
The Government is especially prioritising the rollout of e-health centres in underserved communities across the country.
“The goal is to improve access to quality healthcare services and leverage on digital technologies to serve populations that have traditionally had limited access to medical facilities and professionals,” he added.
To date, the Government has launched four model telehealth centres in Nyanga, Chikomba, Kwekwe and Chiweshe.
The nationwide rollout of the centres is being spearheaded by the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, who is also Zimbabwe’s health ambassador.
ZimSmart Villages chief operating officer Mr Tawanda Nyerere said an e-health kiosk is a telemedicine centre that uses video conferencing to remotely connect patients with doctors.
While doctors are not physically present, healthcare workers are available to assist patients and coordinate consultations.
“A typical telehealth kiosk is equipped with various devices, including a scale to measure the body mass index,” said Mr Nyerere.
“The teleophthalmology station features a camera for retinal examination and a trial lens set for vision correction. The kiosk also includes a teledermatology station with a dermatoscope for examining skin conditions, which are then sent to a dermatologist for diagnosis.
“Additionally, the centre is equipped with a teleultrasound station, digital stethoscope, point-of-care lab machine, telecardiography station, telemedicine workstation, oxygen concentrator and a couch.”
Online Reporter