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Trust Freddy, Herald Correspondent
The partnership between the private sector and the Government to establish 150 more telehealth kiosks and 750 telehealth booths in rural areas is a significant step towards achieving comprehensive universal healthcare.
This initiative, implemented by ZimSmart Villages, will enable patients in remote areas to access medical services through telehealth kiosks at post offices or telehealth booths, facilitating remote video consultations with doctors and on-site healthcare workers.
Telehealth kiosks utilise telemedicine technology, connecting patients with doctors via video conferencing.
While doctors are not physically present, healthcare workers assist patients and coordinate consultations.
The centres are equipped with technology for virtual consultations and even feature mini-pharmacies for medication dispensing after virtual consultations.
This project aims to extend healthcare access to underserved communities.
Notably, Zimpost has partnered with SAMP Group, an Indian owned organisation based in the United States and ZimSmart Villages to install telehealth kiosks at all post offices, repurposing existing infrastructure.
Zimpost postmaster general Mr Maxwell Chitendeni said the partnership with SAMP group will allow Zimbabwe to position itself at global level.
“This partnership that we are forging today is a great opportunity for both entities that have decided to come together to form a synergy around health care in Zimbabwe,” he said.
“One of our greatest ambitions as we are starting this project is for us to be able to position whichever product or service that we are offering to the populace at a global level”.
Ever since the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic broke out in 2019, most countries in Africa and around the world are embracing telehealth, expanding healthcare access and directing more patient care online.
Zimbabwe too, is now utilising its information and communication technologies (ICT) as a tool to improve the efficiency of healthcare service delivery.
There is growing adoption of applications such as telemedicine, tele-education and health informatics to provide essential services.
Mr Chitendeni said Zimpost’s existing infrastructure dotted across the country makes it an ideal partner for healthcare digitisation.
Through public-private partnership, Zimpost was embracing innovative business strategies to give new meaning and purpose to its under-utilised infrastructure.
“We have engaged ZimSmart villages and as the post office, we are ready and prepared to transform the nation as we want to leave no one and no place behind in terms of e-health”, Mr Chitendeni said.
This collaboration also presents an opportunity for Zimpost to diversify its offerings and stay relevant in the face of technological advancements that have impacted its traditional operations.
There is no doubt that universal access to healthcare is becoming a reality under the leadership of President Mnangagwa whose administration has attracted both local and international investors who are keen to invest in telehealth.
The Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services and Zimpost early this year entered into a Public Private Partnership with ZimSmart Villages, to equip rural communities with e-health centres aimed at improving access to healthcare.
Through the collaboration, ZimSmart Villages using its Batsi Health platform is ensuring the availability of doctors for online consultations with patients who walk into the e-health kiosk while TelOne will provide broadband to ensure connectivity.
ZimPost provides courier services to enable the smooth movement of blood samples, medicines and other necessities to and from the communities.
Telehealth kiosks have already been piloted in Nyanga (two), Hauna, Headlands and Nyazura, and have so far served over 500 patients.
These kiosks have eliminated the need for gruelling journeys to health centres by people in remote parts of the country.
They cut costs for rural patients.
Villagers can now access virtual consultations and medication recommendations from local healthcare professionals.
The situation is about to get even better, as SAMP Group, an Indian-owned organisation based in the US has pledged to link Zimbabwe with health experts in India and the US.
This means anyone, even in rural areas can have virtual consultations with doctors in India and the USA and receive prescriptions.
Government has also licensed Starlink, a Low Earth Orbit Satellite operator owned by SpaceX, to provide internet and digital services.
This digital revolution will bridge the gap in reliable internet access, enabling telehealth kiosks to be installed in every village head, catering to community needs.
Telemedicine is proving to be an immediate solution for universal health access, as it is relatively cheap to install telehealth kiosks compared to building comprehensive health infrastructure.
This initiative aligns with global efforts to leverage digital health technology for universal health coverage, improving access, quality, and affordability.
Zimbabwe and most other African countries have limited doctors per thousand inhabitants due to limited human capital and resources.
According to a World Health Organisation global health workforce report, given the different mix of health worker cadres (doctors, nurses, and midwives), most African countries had a uniquely low average of 1,3 health workers per 1 000 people as of 2012.
This situation played out across African countries with respect to the different health systems available around the continent.
With such continental limitations, health experts say harnessing innovations such as telemedicine can enable efficient digital communication and sharing of medical information between healthcare workers and their respective patients.
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