adminMobile telecommunications firm Econet Wireless yesterday announced the expansion of its health services brand EcoHealth with the launch of a new service called “Dial-A-Doc.”Head of EcoHealth Dr Precious Lunga told journalists the service allowed subscribers to get affordable health services advice from professional doctors from any location where there is access to the mobile network.
“With Dial-A-Doc you will be able to ask professional doctors at the Econet Call Centre about any topical issues and obtain medical advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” she said.
The service costs $0.70 per minute, a price which Econet chief executive officer Douglas Mboweni described as fair when compared with other alternatives.
“The issue of pricing is a sensitive one,” Mboweni said.
“As much as we would like to offer the services for free, nothing is for free.”
Mboweni said the alternative of consulting a doctor or travelling to a health institution would in some cases cost more.
Consulting private doctors costs up to $50.
Dr Lunga said the Econet doctors only provided advisory services and would not write prescriptions but would refer those requiring such assistance to personally visit a doctor.
Dr Portia Manangazira, who was representing the Ministry of Health and Child Care at the event, lauded Econet’s initiative which she described as use of technology for the improvement of health service provision.
“Technology, if harnessed correctly, can contribute to the well-being of our communities,” she said.
“Innovation remains key if we’re to combat numerous health issues.”
She applauded the mobile telecoms firm for its continuous support to the health sector following Econet’s launch of an earlier short messaging service providing health tips and its contribution in the fight against the Ebola epidemic. – New Ziana.
Online Reporter