adminBlessing Rwizi
THE telemedicine facility in Nyanga has increased the public’s access to quality healthcare services.
It has eliminated barriers previously caused by distance as villagers now access professional medical services from nearby clinics through video conferencing.
Through the support from Nyanga South Member of Parliament, Cde Supa Mandiwanzira, the district medical officer, Dr Admire Jokwiro, managed to work with Nyanga Rural District Council and the local leadership to set up telemedicine.
The system defeats geographical and economic barriers and brings convenience. The facility was connected at Nyatate and Tombo Clinics in March and June this year respectively.
A community meeting that involved village health workers and community leaders to introduce the service was also held.
Dr Jokwiro said: “The study was carried out to demonstrate the possibility of introducing clinical consultations remotely and in real-time via video conferencing between a rural health centre and a doctor located at an urban site.
“The aims were to establish a telemedicine link between Nyanga town (an urban site) and Nyatate and Tombo Clinics (rural health centres) and to demonstrate the potential of telemedicine in remotely managing Non-Communicable diseases like Hypertension. Motorbikes were also put into place to transport medicines to these areas,” said Dr Jokwiro.
Between April 1 and July 31, a total of 580 new and 223 review consultations were done using this system.
About 33 percent of the total population was diagnosed with hypertension.
Chief Victor Saunyama said the system has greatly improved the lives of villagers in the district and urged other areas to follow suit.
“It is a good thing to use technology to improve the health of our people.
“This system has been of greater help in this area and we are looking forward to its expansion.
“Other districts should introduce such a thing to improve the health and lives of the people,” he said.
Online Reporter