By 
Chirumhanzu, Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe has taken another significant step in modernizing healthcare access with the launch of a new OneHealth Telemedicine Virtual Hospital in Chirumhanzu. The initiative, spearheaded by NetOne and Zim Smart Village, marks the latest addition to an expanding network of over 22 telemedicine booths across the country, aimed at improving healthcare accessibility in remote and underserved communities.
The groundbreaking initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) which underscores the vital role of technology in improving public service delivery and achieving universal health coverage.
Speaking at the launch event, NetOne’s Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Learnmore Musunda, emphasized the transformative potential of the virtual hospital system.
“This visionary project bridges the gap between healthcare providers and communities, ensuring that even the most remote areas have access to quality medical care,” he said.
The CEO of Zim Smart Village, Dr. Jokwiro, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how telemedicine is revolutionizing service delivery in healthcare.
“The virtual hospitals represent a paradigm shift in healthcare delivery, eliminating the need for long-distance travel to access medical consultation,” he stated.
Through these facilities, patients can connect with healthcare professionals remotely, receiving timely medical advice and treatment via digital platforms. This innovation is particularly crucial in rural areas, where access to specialized medical care has historically been limited.
A Step Towards Vision 2030 and the SDGs
The Member of Parliament for Chirumhanzu, Honorable Minister Barbra Rodzi, was the guest of honor at the event. She urged local residents to utilize the facility and underscored the government’s commitment to leveraging digital solutions for social development.
“The telemedicine initiative strongly supports Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 agenda of becoming an upper-middle-income economy by leveraging digital solutions to address healthcare challenges,” Minister Rodzi said.
She also highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, stating that it contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
“Chirumhanzu, you have been remembered by the government. Make thorough use of this establishment and showcase its usefulness so that more centers can be deployed to other communities,” she added.
The successful rollout of over 22 telemedicine booths reflects the government’s commitment to integrating technology into healthcare service delivery. The partnership between NetOne and Zim Smart Village is a model of how public-private collaboration can drive meaningful social change.
As Zimbabwe continues to embrace digital transformation, initiatives like telemedicine virtual hospitals demonstrate the country’s progress toward improving healthcare accessibility while ensuring no one is left behind.
