STATE-OWNED mobile network operator NetOne has brought free medical services to thousands of rural residents in Mutasa District, Manicaland Province, as part of its landmark 30th anniversary outreach campaign.
Launching the initiative recently, the minister of Defence, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, praised the telecommunications giant for bridging rural healthcare gaps.
“As we pursue the aspirations of Vision 2030 and implement the National Development Strategy 2, we must continue to harness innovation, technology and partnerships to improve the quality of life of our people. Healthcare is fundamental to development because healthy communities are better positioned to participate meaningfully in the social and economic development of our country,” Muchinguri-Kashiri said.
She commended the collaboration between Government, the private sector and development partners in supporting communities and advancing national development.
The outreach program—executed in strategic partnership with ZimSmart Villages—forms part of a nationwide campaign targeting 30 districts and 90 000 households.
The initiative integrates digital-health solutions and telemedicine to overcome geographical barriers, ensuring vulnerable families receive critical check-ups and medical guidance without travelling for hours.
NetOne public relations manager Ernest Magadzire noted that the milestone celebration aimed to redefine telecommunications impact.
“We want connectivity to mean more than communication; we want it to connect people to healthcare, information, and essential services,” Magadzire said.
ZimSmart Villages chief operations officer Tawanda Njerere added that technology proves its true value when solving real-world accessibility challenges for rural populations.
“Technology only becomes meaningful when it solves a real problem for people. Through our collaboration with NetOne, we are using connectivity as a bridge between rural communities and healthcare professionals, helping bring healthcare closer to the people,” Njerere said.
Marking its milestone anniversary, NetOne has expanded its corporate social responsibility beyond telecommunications into crucial socio-economic pillars.
By leveraging digital infrastructure and partnerships with technology innovators like ZimSmart Villages, the corporation aligns its community drives with global Sustainable Development Goals focusing on good health, reduced inequalities, and vital partnerships.
NetOne brings vital healthcare to Mutasa
