Mthabisi Tshuma in Chinhoyi
NETONE has invested in 10 mobile health kiosks to bring essential healthcare services closer to rural and underserved communities, in a technology-driven initiative that has been hailed as a boost to the country’s primary healthcare delivery system.
The state-owned telecommunications company has funded the first 10 three-wheeler mobile health kiosks under the Presidential Ward-Based Primary Health-Care Outreach Programme, with each of Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces receiving one unit.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Zanu PF Health Department in partnership with NetOne and ZimSmart Villages, is designed to improve access to primary healthcare in remote communities, with a planned national rollout of 100 kiosks extending to district level.
The programme is scheduled to be launched by President Mnangagwa on Saturday on the sidelines of the closing ceremony of the Zanu PF 23rd Annual National People’s Conference in Chinhoyi.
Deputy Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Dingumuzi Phuti praised the initiative when he toured NetOne’s exhibition stand on Friday, describing it as a practical demonstration of how technology can support national development.
“This is a game changing project befitting launch by His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa as it resonates well with this year’s conference theme ‘From Resolutions to Results: Consolidating Economic Development and Deepening Economic Empowerment Towards Vision 2030’.
“This responds squarely to the needs of communities especially in rural areas where the need for ambulances will be bridged. It gives a lot of convenience as it will solve not only health problems but the general coordination of wards. Employment will also be created while health delivery index pushes up,” said Deputy Minister Phuti.
The nurse-manned kiosks will provide initial health assessments, health education and telehealth connections to clinicians, with patients referred to established health facilities where necessary.
Planned services include blood pressure and blood glucose screening, maternal and child health support, malaria services, HIV and tuberculosis support, as well as the early identification of conditions such as cancer and drug and substance abuse, subject to approved clinical protocols.
ZimSmart Villages is providing the technical and operational framework for the programme, integrating mobile health services, telehealth, community health workers, diagnostic support and referral systems into a coordinated model linking communities to the wider healthcare network.
NetOne spokesperson Mr Ernest Magadzire said the investment reflected the company’s commitment to using technology to improve lives and promote inclusive development.
“As NetOne celebrates 30 years of connecting Zimbabwe, we are proud to support an initiative that brings healthcare closer to the people. We believe connectivity must translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives.
“By investing in these Mobile Health Kiosks, we are helping bridge the gap between remote communities and essential health services, demonstrating how technology can support national development and leave no one behind,” said Mr Magadzire.
ZimSmart Villages Chief Medical Officer Mr Admore Jokwiro said the programme combined digital innovation, healthcare professionals and community-based structures to make primary healthcare more accessible and responsive to local needs.
“ZimSmart Villages is bringing together technology, healthcare professionals and community-based structures to create a practical pathway from initial screening to clinical consultation, referral and follow-up.
“The Mobile Health Kiosks will serve as gateways to care, helping identify health concerns early and connect patients to the appropriate services. Our focus is on building a sustainable model that complements existing health facilities while extending their reach to communities that are often underserved,” said Mr Jokwiro.
The initiative builds on the broader technology-enabled healthcare vision championed by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa and supports national efforts to improve equitable access to essential services.
Through the partnership, NetOne is extending its role beyond telecommunications, while ZimSmart Villages is translating digital connectivity into a community-based healthcare delivery model.
The planned expansion to 100 kiosks is expected to extend the programme’s reach, although its impact will ultimately depend on effective implementation, adequate staffing, reliable connectivity and the availability of referral services.
