Tinaye Agere
Sunday Mail Reporter
THE Government says the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) will revolutionise the country’s healthcare sector through improving access to services and efficiency.
Speaking at the launch of the Salutem International Medical Fund last week, Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera said ICT-driven healthcare transformation is a step in the right direction.
She said the use of ICTs enhances healthcare competitiveness and stimulates convenient access to services, which in turn eliminates out-of-pocket expenses.
“We must, as a nation, continue to come up with ICT-based innovations that are simple, but have a high positive impact on our well-being as a nation.
“The use of ICTs enhances healthcare competitiveness and the stimulation of convenient healthcare access will eliminate out-of-pocket expenditure and non-core medical aid costs,” she said.
Minister Mavetera said her ministry will continue to support the health sector by promoting ICT literacy and utilisation, as well as developing supportive and enabling infrastructure to ensure equitable access to healthcare for disadvantaged groups and rural communities.
“It is gratifying to see private sector players such as Salutem take up the mantle to assist the Government in improving access to affordable healthcare for Zimbabweans,” she said.
With Zimbabwe’s internet penetration rate surpassing 75 percent, and mobile penetration rate at 96 percent, Minister Mavetera urged industry leaders to embrace and support ICT initiatives.
She also praised Salutem’s introduction of a transactional medical aid card and real-time claims processing system, saying it is a groundbreaking innovation that has the potential to be replicated across Africa.
“This is a game-changer; the use of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence will be instrumental in reducing fraud and improving service delivery,” she added.
Online Reporter