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Herald Reporter

Access to quality healthcare remains a challenge across the globe, amplifying the urgency for innovative solutions to bridge these gaps. 

The disparities are despite the World Health Organisation (WHO) consistently underscoring the critical need for improved healthcare access.

The emergence of digital health kiosks, notably Health ATMs, presents an avenue towards universal healthcare.

Clinics on Cloud Africa have embraced this vision by introducing two innovative products in Zimbabwe — the Health ATM and Box Clinic. 

The Health ATM represents a revolutionary concept, which is a comprehensive digital touch-point integrated machine designed to provide primary care and diagnostics for a range of chronic diseases.

Similar to an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) in a bank, the Health ATM is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment covering vital aspects of healthcare, including cardiology, neurology, gynaecology, and emergency facilities. 

The user-friendly kiosk allows individuals to access their personal health information securely through any internet-connected device, empowering patients to actively participate in managing their health needs.

One of the founders of Clinics on Cloud Africa, Jona Machaya, underscored Health ATM’s compliance with international medical standards and its role in empowering patients to access world-class medical facilities. 

“We have envisioned where universal access to preventative diagnosis is non-negotiable, our Health ATM emerges as a dynamic force revolutionising the landscape of health care. We don’t offer instant check-ups. We redefine healthcare by seamlessly connecting the patients with the physicians. We acknowledge 75 percent of fatalities stem from delays in diagnosis, and Health ATM confronts this challenge head-on, ensuring effortless access to preventive diagnosis. We don’t advocate for prevention but assert its paramount importance,” said Machaya.

 A digital health expert, Nyasha Nyamupaguma said the strategic placement of Health ATMs will address delayed diagnoses.

“In our tireless pursuit of saving lives and mitigating the impact of delayed diagnoses, our Health ATM and Box Clinic stands as an iconic bridge between individuals and proactive healthcare. 

“The strategic placement of Health ATMs is not just about nullifying the detrimental effects of delayed diagnoses; it’s about envisioning a society thriving with health, propelled by accessibility, timeliness and transformative power of preventive healthcare.

 “We have more than 2 500 Health ATM kiosks in use as we speak and millions visit in 150 cities worldwide. The Health ATMs will not only resolve the issue of healthcare professionals’ reluctance to work in remote areas but will also address multiple healthcare challenges,” said Nyamupaguma.

Health ATM utilises messaging platforms like WhatsApp and email to instantly send a full detailed report with a full diagnosis, taking about eight minutes.