TELEHEALTH and remote monitoring service provider, ZimSmart Villages, has partnered The Samp Group, a multifaceted global organisation renowned for its leadership in the globalisation of cricket, targeting remote areas that do not have health facilities in Zimbabwe.
Addressing journalists in Harare on Monday this week, ZimSmart Villages chief medical officer Admore Jokwiro said through the initiative, patients in remote and underserved communities would be able to access either a telehealth kiosk at a post office or a booth at a rural service centre.
He said in the kiosk or booth, patients would access a doctor remotely via video and be diagnosed and treated through the service.
“The collaboration will provide affordable, quality healthcare by delivering access to doctors, consultations, diagnostics and medications through innovative telehealth solutions.”
“By enabling early detection and management of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension, this initiative aims to significantly improve health outcomes, with a bold target of increasing life expectancy in these communities by at least 10 years,” he said.
Jokwiro said the support from The Stamp Group was a monumental step forward for the country’s healthcare system.
“The Samp Group, based in US [United States], has built its reputation on driving cricket’s global popularity and now, through this collaboration, is extending its impact into healthcare.
“With its Samp Army Cricket Franchise competing in international leagues such as the Abu Dhabi T10 and Zim Afro T10, Samp Group is known for championing talent and promoting growth.
“The partnership with ZimSmart Villages expands Samp’s commitment to nurturing communities, not just through sports, but by improving health and well-being for millions,” he said.
ZimSmart Villages, which was recently recognised by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe and hosted National ICT Innovation Expo for its community-driven tech solutions, has been a pioneer in telehealth services in Zimbabwe.
Jokwiro added: “This partnership represents a perfect synergy. Together with The Samp Group, we will not only bring healthcare to millions who need it but also continue to promote innovation, technology and sports as pathways to improved health outcomes in Zimbabwe. This is a new dawn for remote health in Zimbabwe.”
Samp Group founder and chairperson Ritesh Patel said the initiative would avail US and Indian healthcare systems to improve healthcare in Zimbabwe.
“This association ensures the Samp brand will have a lasting presence in Zimbabwe and it is my contribution to the people of Zimbabwe,” he said.
“The BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu organisation has always believed in serving society. In fact, Guru Pramukh Swãmi Maharaj started BAPS Charities that provides medical, educational, humanitarian, environmental and many other forms of outstanding care around the world, including in Africa.
“My family and I have a strong belief in BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Sanstha. With the blessings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Guru Hari Pramukh Swami Maharaj and current Guru Hari Mahant Swami Maharaj, we have taken this noble initiative to serve the people of Zimbabwe.”
The new entity, named The Samp ZimSmart Villages Initiative, will see the establishment of 150 kiosks and 750 booths over the next two years, bringing life-saving healthcare services to millions of Zimbabweans in remote and underserved communities.
