NetOne launches virtual telemedicine hospital in rural Zimbabwe
via NewsDay Zimbabwe6 min read
Telecommunications company NetOne Cellular has introduced a Virtual Telemedicine Hospital in Ntunungwe, Matabeleland South, marking one of Zimbabwe's initial fully digital rural healthcare centers. Launched on October 25 alongside the Ntunungwe Clinic, this initiative uses advanced telecommunications to provide real-time medical consultations to remote communities. NetOne Group chief executive officer Raphael Mushanawani stated that the project enables residents to consult doctors hundreds of kilometers away, receive immediate medical guidance, and access advanced diagnostics without leaving their village. Mushanawani described the facility as "a hospital without walls; a medical bridge between Ntunungwe and the rest of Zimbabwe," emphasizing digital technology's role in redefining healthcare access. This launch aligns with NetOne’s OneHealth program, which integrates technology into public services, and supports Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy 1 NDS1 for inclusion and socio-economic development. The project, which involved local leaders and community elders, aims to provide immediate access to professional medical advice for Ntunungwe residents, who previously faced long travel distances for care. Analysts suggest this virtual hospital sets a new standard for digital health in sub-Saharan Africa, demonstrating how telecom infrastructure can deliver critical public services and foster socio-economic inclusion. For NetOne, the initiative enhances its c
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