Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
STATE-OWNED mobile network operator, NetOne Zimbabwe officially opened the OneHealth Telemedicine Virtual Hospital in Mhangura yesterday, marking a major step in bringing quality healthcare services closer to remote and mining communities through digital innovation.
The virtual hospital, commissioned by Health and Child Care Minister, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, in the presence of NetOne Group chief executive Eng Raphael Mushanawani’s representative, Mr Thamsanqa Luphahla, will enable residents to access medical consultations, diagnostics and specialist services without travelling long distances to urban centres.
In a speech read on his behalf by Mr Luphahla, Netone’s public relations officer, Eng Mushanawani said the initiative was aimed at removing geographical barriers that have long limited access to quality healthcare for rural and marginalised communities.
“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 said.
“A healthy nation is a productive nation and a connected nation is a competitive nation. Telemedicine is not the future, it is the present.”
He said the telemedicine facility was being implemented under the leadership and vision of President Mnangagwa and First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, whose passion for inclusive healthcare had continued to transform lives across the country.
Engineer Mushanawani said the project dovetails with the government’s development blueprints, particularly National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), as well as the ongoing transition into NDS2, through the use of information and communication technologies to modernise public service delivery.
The company, he said, had gone beyond providing mobile network connectivity by positioning itself as a development partner committed to improving service delivery in critical sectors.
“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 noted. The virtual hospital is expected to significantly reduce travel costs, improve response times and enhance health outcomes, particularly for expectant mothers, the elderly and patients with chronic illnesses, for people in Mhangura.
The initiative also formed part of NetOne’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme, which prioritises sustainable impact in health, education and community development.
Dr Mombeshora welcomed the initiative, saying it demonstrated the government’s commitment to embracing innovation and partnerships that improve equitable access to healthcare services.
“The introduction of innovation in health will help the government to ensure that its citizens have access to healthcare services. While the Second Republic is forging ahead with constructing more clinics across the country to reduce the distance travelled by its citizens, the move by Netone makes it easy for us to ensure our people have access to healthcare,” he said.
“It also showcases how public-private partnerships can drive meaningful change in healthcare delivery, ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing essential healthcare services.”
The project was implemented in partnership with Zim Smart Village, led by Dr Jokwiro, and OneHealth, as part of broader efforts to support digital health solutions in line with Vision 2030.
The parastatal reaffirmed its commitment to continue working closely with the Government and development partners to ensure technology was used as a tool for national development.
It has successfully implemented over 23 telemedicine booths, including in Chirumanzu, a commitment to leveraging technology for social development.
