By Staff Reporter
TZANEEN – Tzaneen-born medical practitioner Dr Katekani Khosa has launched virtual consultation services, a modern healthcare solution known as telehealth, allowing patients to consult with healthcare professionals from anywhere in the country without the need for long and costly travel.
The service, which gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, was introduced at a time when traditional face-to-face consultations were no longer feasible. Telehealth enabled continuity of care while observing lockdown regulations and social distancing measures.
Dr Khosa, who practices is currently practising in Gauteng is a graduate of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, explained that telehealth does not change who provides care, but rather when, where and how healthcare services are delivered.
“Virtual consultations give patients the opportunity to receive medical care without physically travelling to a doctor’s office,” said Dr Khosa. “It has proven to be especially effective for patients with minor ailments and those who may struggle with access to healthcare facilities.”
He added that during the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth played a critical role in reducing the spread of the virus, protecting healthcare workers, and limiting unnecessary visits to healthcare facilities.
A virtual consultation is conducted through video or telephone communication between a patient and a healthcare professional. Dr Khosa noted that as South Africa advances further into the digital age, many patients are beginning to appreciate the convenience, time-saving and cost-effective nature of telehealth services.
“Patients are also informed when their condition requires a physical examination. Virtual doctors will advise when an in-person consultation is necessary to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment,” he said.
Dr Khosa believes that medicine is rapidly evolving and that advanced technologies such as remote robotic surgerycould become a reality within our lifetime. “We are moving towards a future where even surgeons may operate remotely from different parts of the world,” he added.
He is a strong advocate for telehealth, citing its potential to reduce hospital congestion by allowing certain patients to be managed from home while still receiving appropriate medical attention.
In December 2025, Dr Khosa had the opportunity to discuss the benefits of telehealth with the Gauteng MEC for Health, who he said was impressed by the platform’s potential to ease pressure on public healthcare institutions if implemented effectively.
“While we are making progress, there is still a lot to learn. Every new system comes with challenges, but with investment and collaboration, we can improve and strengthen this platform for the benefit of our patients,” he said.
For more information on telehealth services or to explore how the system can benefit organisations, Dr Khosa can be contacted on 081 439 6032.
