BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
The advancement of e-health and e-commerce has really brought innovation to communities, providing people with technological solutions in this fast paced world.
And many such innovations have bridged the technology gap and in terms of e-health, it has increased access, hence communities have healthier lives.
One such technological advancement, BatsiHealth, a ZimSmart Villages innovation, was showcased at the recently held Harare Agricultural Show.
To know more about this innovation, NewsSpace Reporter MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA (MBD), interviewed ALSANDRAH KUVAOGA (AK) Commercial Manager at ZimSmart Villages, which comprises of BatsiHealth and XMarketplace.
MBD: Who is behind BatsiHealth?
AK: BatsiHealth is one of the three pillars of ZimSmart Villages, an organisation that is leveraging technology in the provision of e-commerce and e-health mainly targeting underserved communities. This is done through the setting-up of kiosks in the communities which are access points for e-health and e-commerce.
MBD: When was it established?
AK: BatsiHealth was established in 2023 with the first Kiosk being launched this year, 2024.
MBD: What was the purpose of its establishment?
AK: Zimbabwe faces a significant burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly diabetes and hypertension. These conditions are becoming increasingly prevalent, contributing to the country’s mortality rates. Despite this growing crisis, many Zimbabweans, particularly in rural and underserved areas, lack adequate access to healthcare services, information, and resources necessary for managing these diseases effectively. The lack of access to healthcare exacerbates the plight of these communities.
BatsiHealth was born out of a vision to address these multifaceted challenges. Our story began with a simple but powerful idea – to leverage technology and community initiatives to create sustainable solutions to Zimbabwe’s pressing problems. On the other hand the e-commerce leg compliments e-health by ensuring individuals are economically self-sufficient to access services.
MBD: And how do people access BatsiHealth?
AK: To access BatsiHealth, you visit www.vakaafya.com or download the application on Play Store or App Store, the app name is Vakaafya BatsiHealth.
MBD: How has it been so far, how has been the reception by members of the public?
AK: BatsiHealth has been progressing steadily. The public’s response has been positive, with a growing number of people showing interest in the platform, especially in underserved communities where healthcare access has been limited. We have also been conducting outreach programs where we screen for hypertension and diabetes for free and we also provide medication for free – these have been well-received, as they offer tangible benefits to individuals in need of medical services who may not always have funds to access healthcare. We’ve seen increasing sign-ups and inquiries, which indicates that people are recognizing the value we bring in terms of accessible healthcare.
MBD: Anything you can add on the platform?
AK: BatsiHealth is designed to provide a range of healthcare services, with a strong emphasis on convenience and accessibility. The platform offers online consultations with medical professionals, allowing patients to seek advice and treatment from the comfort of their homes. In addition, we offer remote monitoring services for individuals under ongoing treatment, ensuring they receive consistent care and can track their health progress without the need for frequent in-person visits.
We have also incorporated a Buy Medicine chatbot, which streamlines the process of ordering medication online. This feature enhances convenience for patients by making it easier to get prescriptions delivered to their doorstep. The chatbot also assists in booking appointments for doctor’s consultations and laboratory tests.
Recognizing that not everyone in remote areas has access to smartphones or reliable internet, we’ve set up kiosks in those communities. These kiosks bridge the digital divide, enabling people to access healthcare services directly through the platform, regardless of their tech limitations. By doing so, we are ensuring that no one is left behind, regardless of their location or access to technology.
MBD: How was it participating at this year’s Agric Show?
AK: The Agricultural Show was an excellent opportunity for us to engage directly with the public and raise awareness about BatsiHealth. People were keen to learn about how we can bridge the gap between healthcare access and technology. The engagement was productive, as we had conversations with potential partners and individuals who are now interested in using our platform. It also got us to understand pain points more and we have since realized that while we focused on bridging the digital divide in remote areas, even in big towns it is present and we will have to work on bridging that as well.
