Safaricom PLC is making a significant contribution to Kenya’s healthcare sector by leading a consortium dedicated to advancing health digitization in the country.
This initiative focuses on implementing an Integrated Healthcare Information Technology System (IHTS), a crucial step towards ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible to all Kenyans.
The consortium, which includes prominent companies such as Apeiro Limited and Konvergenz Network Solutions Limited, has committed to investing ES 104.8 billion over the next ten years to develop, maintain, and support the IHTS.
This substantial investment will be recouped through monthly payments based on the achievement of specific project milestones.
A noteworthy aspect of this initiative is its financing structure.
The design allows the Kenyan Ministry of Health to roll out a comprehensive digital healthcare solution without any upfront capital or operational expenditures, creating a sustainable financial model for healthcare transformation.
Key Components of the IHTS System
The IHTS is set to revolutionize healthcare in Kenya through several key developments:
- Health Information Exchange (HIE): This central component will enhance interoperability across health systems nationwide, enabling seamless sharing of patient records among healthcare facilities, which will improve care coordination and outcomes.
- Integrated Hospital Management Information System (IHMIS): The rollout of IHMIS aims to further digitize public health facilities, fostering efficient health management in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and County Governments.
- Digitization of Health Products and Technology Supply Chain: This technology will increase visibility in the supply chain for pharmaceuticals and medical products, aiming to reduce stockouts, track medicines to individual patients, and combat fraud.
- Technology for Health Insurance: The system will facilitate the digitization of the Social Health Authority, enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of healthcare financing.
- Infrastructure for a Digital Health Ecosystem: The IHTS will enable healthcare professionals to access a secure, connected network with tailored devices like tablets and computers, ensuring they have the necessary tools for effective care delivery.
- Robust Cybersecurity: Protecting patient data is a top priority, and the project will incorporate comprehensive cybersecurity measures to secure all digital transactions and information.
In addition to technological advancements, Safaricom and its partners will collaborate closely with the Ministry of Health to provide training for healthcare professionals across the country.
This training is vital to ensure that users can effectively navigate and utilize the new systems.
This initiative builds on Safaricom’s history of deploying impactful digital solutions in Kenya, such as the Hustler Fund and the Inua Jamii program, which supports social welfare for the elderly.
Safaricom’s leadership in this project underscores the increasing role of the private sector in addressing public health challenges.
The company has also worked with county governments to digitize revenue collections and establish local device assembly facilities, enhancing access to digital services for Kenyans.
Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom PLC, highlighted the transformative power of technology, stating that it serves as a crucial tool for empowerment and social change.
Through its continued efforts whether aiding smallholder farmers with digital solutions or promoting financial inclusion via M-PESA Safaricom aims to leverage technology to foster positive societal impacts.
This latest investment in Kenya’s healthcare digitization is a significant step forward, positioning the IHTS System to modernize the healthcare landscape and create a more integrated, efficient, and transparent system for all Kenyans.
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