Zambia's second largest mobile operator MTN Zambia has launched a mobile health (mHealth) service called Hello Doctor aimed at improving the lives of its customers.

The service was launched in response to the challenges faced by many of its customers in accessing health services because of long distances to facilities.

Hello Doctor is an SMS-based health service that offers expert medical advice on a range of subjects including maternal health, nutrition, obesity and general health.

MTN Zambia chief marketing officer Clement Asante said the advantage of the service is that subscribers receive health tips on mobile phones and this gives them the ability to address health concerns without necessarily going to a clinic.

He said the service offers subscribers two health tips on one health-related subject per day.

"It provides comfort when all things are in order and serves as an early warning indicator in case things do not appear in order. In today's fast-paced world, people are health conscience and are always looking for solutions that offer convenience. This is where Hello Doctor comes (in) handy," Asante said.

Hello Doctor is the second mHealth solution that MTN Zambia has launched after Talk2baby, a service that offers expecting mothers information about every stage of their pregnancy.