Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
COMMUNITIES in Chimanimani have become beneficiaries of the telehealth initiative that make use of digital information and communication technologies for people to access health care services without physical interaction with a doctor.
The country continues to record milestones in improving access to health care after the opening of a telehealth facility at Nhedziwa and a new clinic at Chakohwa area, in Chimanimani this Saturday.
“We are happy with the establishment of this health facility as it improves access to healthcare. As women, we appreciate this development as we are prone to many diseases,” said a Chimanimani resident.
“The initiative improves access to health and this will reduce premature death as we can access doctors via internet,” added a resident.
Players in the health sector spoke on the strides to improve access to healthcare, citing how the telehealth initiative will improve the doctor to patients ratio.
Owner of a local health facility, Sister Otillia Mbano noted, “We have introduced a telemedicine program here as it will reduce the doctor patient ratio. Internet has been installed to establish telemedicine facilities.”
“This initiative which is being scaled up was launched on the 11TH of May by the health ambassador for Zimbabwe, the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa. We have established a telehealth booth at Nhedziwa as we are trying to address access to health. With low doctor to population ratio of 1 as to 5000 patients, we can create a multiplayer effect when we have doctors resident in Harare or Mutare offering services in remote areas taking advantage of ICT. The recent licensing of Starlink is one of the key drivers of ICTs,” added Zimsmart villages chief medical officer, Dr Admore Jokwiro.
Government is determined to see positive results from the adoption of the telehealth initiative in various communities.
Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza said, “The introduction of telemedicine is a sign that our economy is on a rebound. It is a sign that we are moving in the right direction as we utilise ICTs to access healthcare services as well as promoting inclusivity.”
“Dr Jokwiro who has set up this artificial intelligence telemedicine will always be there to ensure the local communities get medical care. We also chose this place because it is women-owned and as a minister in charge of community development l am very excited. The use of artificial intelligence will have enormous impact on the country’s health delivery,” noted the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa.
Local legislators Honourable Patricia Kudhlande of the Women’s Quarter, Honourable Joshua Sacco of Chimanimani East and Honourable Wilson Maposa of Chimanimani West, were part of the delegation which visited a telehealth booth at Nhedziwa to access the functionality of the initiative.
Telemedicine is the provision of remote clinical services, via real-time two-way communication between the patient and the healthcare provider, using electronic audio and visual means.
The establishment of the telehealth facility in Nhedziwa complements government efforts in improving healthcare access for all.
