Virtual healthcare

Conrad Mupesa

Mashonaland West Bureau

IN a landmark move to bridge the healthcare gap for remote communities, State-owned mobile network operator NetOne Zimbabwe officially inaugurated the OneHealth Telemedicine Virtual Hospital in Mhangura on Wednesday.

The facility, launched by NetOne Group Chief Executive Officer Eng Raphael Mushanawani and Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora, will leverage digital technology to provide residents with direct access to medical consultations, diagnostics, and specialist services without the need for long-distance travel.

In a speech delivered on his behalf by NetOne Public Relations Officer Thamsanqa Luphahla, Eng Mushanawani said the initiative directly targets the geographical barriers that have historically limited healthcare access.

“Today, we are saying in practical terms that geography must no longer be a barrier to quality health services. Every Zimbabwean, regardless of location, deserves timely, dignified, and accessible healthcare,” he declared. “A healthy nation is a productive nation, and a connected nation is a competitive nation. Telemedicine is not the future; it is the present.”

Eng Mushanawani highlighted that the project aligns with the vision of national leadership and key government blueprints, including the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the transition to NDS2. It underscores the use of information and communication technologies to modernize public service delivery.

“Through robust digital infrastructure, we are enabling virtual consultations, remote diagnostics, and access to specialist medical expertise that would otherwise be beyond reach for many communities,” he explained, noting that NetOne has evolved from a connectivity provider to a development partner in critical sectors.

The virtual hospital is expected to drastically cut travel costs, improve emergency response times, and enhance health outcomes, particularly for expectant mothers, the elderly, and patients with chronic conditions in Mhangura and surrounding areas.

Minister Mombeshora commended the initiative as a testament to the government’s commitment to innovation and public-private partnerships in healthcare.

“While the Second Republic is forging ahead with constructing more clinics across the country to reduce distance, the move by NetOne makes it easier to ensure our people have access to healthcare,” Dr Mombeshora said.

“It showcases how partnerships can drive meaningful change, ensuring no one is left behind.”

The project was implemented in collaboration with Zim Smart Village, led by Dr. Jokwiro, and OneHealth, as part of broader efforts to advance digital health solutions under Vision 2030.

This launch brings NetOne’s total number of operational telemedicine booths nationwide to over 23, including one in Chirumanzu, reinforcing the parastatal’s commitment to leveraging technology for inclusive social development.