The Sunday Mail
Sunday Mail Reporter
INFORMATION and communications technology company Delov Technologies has launched a mobile application that can connect Zimbabweans with doctors regardless of their location.
Patients can use the app — Plus263Health — to book appointments, receive prescriptions and speak with a therapist while doctors can register and use the app free of charge and select their fees per consultation.
The platform will also allow Zimbabweans in the diaspora to pay for health care for their relatives, directly through international payment gateways.
Delov Technologies representative Mr Nyasha Nyamupaguma said, through the app, doctors do not have to incur expenses, paving the way for them to reduce costs to patients.
“All they do is make themselves available free of charge and they get bookings. They charge their fees and pocket the money for a small fee. We have piloted the app in places like Mbare, Chiweshe, Muzarabani, Hurungwe, Mutare, Gweru, Plumtree, Hwange, Chiredzi and Bindura.
“The convenience of the app is that it brings affordability, especially in the delivery of prescriptions to your home. The patient is able to select if they want to download the prescription or if they want it directly sent to the pharmacy for pick-up or delivery.”
He said the app can become the go-to marketplace for doctors and pharmacies.
“The service can also expand to neighbouring countries. In terms of security, privacy still remains with the doctor. The platform books and facilitates an appointment and the rest.
‘‘The doctors use their own internal systems, making it safe and secure as no medical record is saved on the platform,” Mr Nyamupaguma said.
The app also has a therapy section, where people can search for a therapist and seek counselling services.
Some doctors said they are already making use of the mobile app.
Medical and Dental Private Practitioners Association of Zimbabwe secretary-general Dr Cletos Masiya said: “This app brings convenience to us. Tele-medicine has been vital, especially during Covid-19, and helped improve access to health care. Such platforms are a good thing for the country; they make more people have access to health services.”
Dr Masiya said to ensure universal health coverage, there is need to increase access to network and internet services in rural areas.
A Harare-based doctor, Dr Amos Chindingwa, said the mobile app will help improve access to health care.
“It is a promising tool that allows users to get closer to health professionals and medical specialists. It minimises burdens patients encounter, such as travelling for speciality care,” he said.
