Tinashe Nekati
STAFF WRITER
NETONE has brought telemedicine services closer to residents of Mutema-Musikavanhu Constituency as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, expanding access to healthcare through technology and connectivity.
Telemedicine is the use of electronic technology, like video chats, phone calls, or messaging apps, to let doctors and nurses give medical care to patients from far away.
Under the initiative dubbed ‘NetOne at 30 Medical Outreach and Telemedicine,’ residents benefit from free medical screenings, consultations and medicines.
Speaking during the launch of the telemedicine service at Musikavanu Shopping Centre recently, Primary and Secondary Education deputy minister Angeline Gata, applauded NetOne for leveraging technology to bring healthcare closer to communities.
“The initiative is a powerful demonstration of how digital transformation can improve the lives of Zimbabweans, particularly communities facing geographical and financial barriers to accessing healthcare and specialist services,” Gata said
On his part, NetOne public relations manager, Ernest Magadzire, said the initiative reflected the evolving purpose of the telecommunications giant after three decades of connecting Zimbabwe.
“At NetOne, we have connected Zimbabweans for 30 years. But as we celebrate NetOne at 30, we are asking ourselves a bigger question: What should that connectivity achieve? If it allows a patient in Musikavanhu to access medical expertise without travelling long distances, that is impact,” Magadzire said.
He added that NetOne was positioning itself at the forefront of Zimbabwe’s digital transformation by ensuring that technology delivers tangible improvements to people’s lives.
“We want to be the vanguard of Zimbabwe’s digital economy, ensuring that technology translates into real improvements in people’s lives. Our mandate is not simply to build networks. Our mandate is to use those networks to enable national development,” Magadzire said.
The telemedicine service will be complemented by a community health support component, with health ambassadors assisting residents with basic health checks, identifying potential health concerns and guiding patients towards appropriate care, including referrals and virtual consultations where necessary.
Implemented with the support of ZimSmart Villages, the programme demonstrates the importance of partnerships in using technology to address real community needs by bringing together telecommunications, healthcare and community development.