By Maricho Reporter
MHANGURA, Zimbabwe — In a significant advancement for rural healthcare, NetOne has launched the OneHealth Telemedicine Virtual Hospital in Mhangura which will provide local residents with direct access to specialist medical care and digital diagnostics, breaking down long-standing geographic barriers to health services.
“At NetOne, we are proud to be a key enabler of this journey. Our role goes beyond providing connectivity; we are a development partner.
“Through robust digital infrastructure, we are enabling virtual consultations, remote diagnostics, and access to specialist medical expertise that would otherwise be beyond reach for many communities,” said NetOne Group Chief Executive Officer, NetOne, Eng. Raphael Mushanawani.
“For the people of Mhangura, this means reduced travel costs, quicker medical attention, and improved health outcomes. It means expectant mothers, the elderly, and persons with chronic illnesses can access care without unnecessary hardship. This is technology with a human face.”
The launch event, part of a national effort to enhance public service delivery, was attended by government officials and representatives from the telecommunications and healthcare sectors.
For years, Mhangura residents faced lengthy journeys to Chinhoyi or Harare for medical consultations. The new Virtual Hospital leverages NetOne’s robust digital infrastructure to offer:
- Virtual Consultations: Live video links connecting local patients with urban specialists.
- Remote Diagnostics: Immediate transmission of medical data for expert analysis.
- Specialist Access: On-demand expertise previously unavailable to rural communities.
Supporting National Development
NetOne representatives highlighted the project’s alignment with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the transition to NDS2. Inspired by President Cde Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa and First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, this initiative exemplifies a commitment to inclusive healthcare.
“The establishment of the OneHealth Telemedicine Virtual Hospital in Mhangura is a direct contribution to the objectives of National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), particularly in improving health outcomes, leveraging ICTs, and modernising public service delivery.
“As we now transition into National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), this initiative represents continuity, momentum, and practical implementation of our national development blueprint,” the Engineer said.
The initiative arises from a partnership between NetOne, Zim Smart Village, and OneHealth, and government, and is a key element of NetOne’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, focusing on sustainable impact in health and education.
“This initiative is also a cornerstone of NetOne’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme. Our CSR philosophy is anchored on delivering sustainable impact in critical sectors such as health, education, and community development. By investing in digital health, we are investing in productivity, dignity, and the future of our nation,” Eng Mushanawani added.
NetOne is committed to expanding this digital health network to other remote areas, ensuring that all Zimbabweans benefit from the digital economy.
