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Gibson Mhaka
AS part of its efforts to drive a digital economy focused on smart healthcare, NetOne, one of the local leading mobile network providers, is partnering with healthcare service providers in an initiative aimed at enhancing access to health services for all Zimbabweans, particularly those in remote areas.
Speaking to B-Metro at the company’s ZITF exhibition stand NetOne group chief executive officer, Engineer Raphael Mushanawani, said through their One Health division, they were partnering with a number of healthcare providers to ensure patients can receive services wherever they are located.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/mYvrEo7XL6g
Eng Mushanawani said this was in line with President Mnangagwa’s philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind”, a policy guide to the Second Republic’s thrust of inclusive development.
“We are here at ZITF 2024 where we are showcasing some of our innovative products as NetOne. First of all, we are looking at our One health initiative where we are partnering with a number of healthcare providers, One Health leverages our connectivity to ensure patients receive services wherever they are. We go beyond just doctor consultations – One Health also facilitates medication delivery directly to village levels, aligning with President Mnangagwa’s vision of leaving no one and no place behind,” said Eng Mushanawani.
Eng Mushanawani said under the facility, a nurse will use a camera to remotely connect patients with a doctor. The doctor can then diagnose the condition and prescribe medication directly through the online platform.
NetOne’s product manager, Easyway Samusodza, explained that the One Health initiative has so far partnered with ZimSmart Villages to establish healthcare facilities in remote areas and make services accessible via mobile phones.
“NetOne has partnered with ZimSmart Villages to bring healthcare facilities to remote areas, both physically and through mobile technology. ZimSmart Villages will establish virtual hospitals or booths in rural areas, where patients can visit a nurse.
“The nurse will take vitals like temperature, blood pressure and blood sugar. Then, through NetOne’s connectivity, they can connect patients with doctors virtually. Patients will see the doctor on a computer screen, and the doctor can see the patient as well. The doctor can then diagnose the condition and prescribe medication. NetOne ensures connectivity for these consultations and offers data bundles to make it accessible for patients in any location,” said Samusodza.
A medical doctor with ZimSmart Villages, Admore Jokwiro explained that their partnership with NetOne was aimed at democratising access to healthcare.
He said by cutting down the distance patients typically travel to see doctors or specialists, they’re significantly improving healthcare accessibility.
“Through our partnership with One Health, we are democratising access to healthcare. We are significantly improving healthcare accessibility by cutting down the distance patients typically travel to see doctors or specialists. This means patients can now virtually consult with medical doctors or specialists. Additionally, we have integrated essential services like diagnostic lab machines, allowing patients in rural areas to undergo diagnostic tests without travelling long distances,” said Dr Jokwiro.
He said the comprehensive, integrated solution was designed to improve health outcomes.
“It facilitates screening for chronic conditions, provides diagnostics, and enables follow-up care for patients. Patients can access these services by visiting a nearby post office equipped with a tele-health booth or kiosk, making healthcare accessible throughout Zimbabwe,” said Dr Jokwiro.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter