Staff Reporter
In a groundbreaking development for healthcare in Chimanimani, residents will now have improved access to medical services following the launch of a telehealth facility in Nhedziwa and the opening of a new clinic in Chakohwa this past Saturday.
This initiative utilizes digital communication technologies to connect patients with doctors, eliminating the need for physical travel.
The telemedicine project aims to address the critical shortage of healthcare providers in the region, significantly enhancing the delivery of healthcare services. It is expected to reduce premature deaths by enabling easier and faster access to medical consultations for residents in remote areas.
Sister Otillia Mbano, owner of a local health facility, highlighted the impact of the new system.
“We have introduced a telemedicine program here as it will reduce the doctor-patient ratio. Internet has been installed to establish telemedicine facilities,” she said.
Chief Medical Officer of ZimSmart Villages, Dr. Admore Jokwiro, explained the broader significance of the project.
“This initiative, which was launched on May 11 by the First Lady, Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, aims to address healthcare access issues in underserved areas. With a doctor-to-population ratio of 1 to 5 000, we can create a multiplier effect by connecting patients in remote regions to doctors based in Harare or Mutare through ICT,” he said.
Dr. Jokwiro also noted that the recent licensing of Starlink will further enhance connectivity, making telemedicine even more accessible in remote locations.
Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, commended the initiative as a positive sign for Zimbabwe’s economy.
“The introduction of telemedicine is a sign that our economy is rebounding. It shows we are moving in the right direction as we leverage ICT to improve access to healthcare services,” he stated.
Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, also expressed her excitement about the project’s focus on women’s health.
“The use of artificial intelligence will have an enormous impact on the country’s healthcare delivery system,” she remarked.
Local legislators, including Honourable Patricia Kudhlande, Honourable Joshua Sacco, and Honourable Wilson Maposa, visited the telehealth facility in Nhedziwa to evaluate its operations and functionality, signalling the government's commitment to the project.
As telemedicine continues to gain momentum, this initiative represents a significant step forward in improving healthcare accessibility for communities in Chimanimani and beyond.
With advanced technology bridging the gap between rural areas and healthcare providers, residents can now access vital medical services that were once out of reach.
