18 new e-health centres established in rural areas

Emmanuel Kafe

At least 18 new e-health centres, including tele-health kiosks and booths, have been established across the country since last year as part of the Government’s initiative to enhance healthcare service delivery and access in rural communities.

The tele-health centres are part of the “smart concept under e-health” and are equipped with modern medical devices, enabling patients to conduct basic health checks and consult with doctors remotely.

This initiative, a result of a public-private partnership between the country’s leading postal, communication services provider Zimpost and ZimSmart Villages – a local telemedicine service provider — aims to roll out an additional 180 e-health centres across all 10 provinces this year.

Since the programme’s launch nine months ago, the e-health centres have conducted over 2 000 telehealth consultations, with more than 5 000 visits recorded for blood pressure and blood glucose checks in rural areas.

In an interview with The Herald, Zimpost postmaster-general Mr Maxwell Chitendeni said the facilities are providing critical healthcare services to communities that previously had limited access to medical professionals and diagnostic tools.

“By leveraging advanced technology and Zimpost’s extensive nationwide network, this collaboration facilitates virtual consultations, streamline medicine delivery, and promote community health initiatives,” he said.

“ . . . we aim to improve access to quality healthcare services through innovative digital technologies.

“Tele-health centres have been established in areas like Beatrice, Headlands, Nyazura, Nyanga, Nyamaropa, Hauna, Zvishavane, Mberengwa, Shurugwi, Gutu-Mpandawana, Nyika, Murambinda and Redcliff.”

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 business development manager, Ms Alsandrah Kuvaoga said with the support of the Government, at least 18 telehealth facilities have been established so far.

“To date, we have set up 18 telehealth facilities, categorised as follows: five standalone kiosks in Nyanga, Chikomba, Maria Theresa Clinic in Chiweshe, Pricabe-Sherwood, and the latest in Chirumhanzu; nine kiosks within post offices in locations such as Mberengwa, Hauna, and Redcliff and three booths at Kazozo, Bende, and Nhedziwa shopping centres.

“Additionally, there is one franchise model supporting a nurse-led clinic – The Healing Family Clinic in Chakohwa,” she said.

Ms Kuvaoga said this year, the company is targeting the establishment of over a hundred telehealth facilities across all 10 provinces.

“We aim to set up 180 kiosks, each supported by five booths. Our goal is to have a presence in all 10 provinces, with a strong focus on underserved rural and peri-urban areas, while gradually expanding to underserved urban locations,” she said.