Zambia implements digital health systems project to enhance service delivery in hospitals

The Ministry of Technology and Science, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, has begun implementing the Digital Health Systems Project across hospitals in Zambia, aiming to digitise health services and secure the medicine supply chain.

Speaking at the launch of the project at Gwembe District Hospital in the Munyumbwe area of Gwembe District, Southern Province, on Thursday, Technology and Science Minister, Felix Mutati, said the initiative seeks to enhance service delivery in the health sector.

“Through this digital health system, hospitals across the country will now be able to provide health services using digital tools to reach as many people as possible,” Mutati stated in a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday.

He noted that the project also included the Track and Trace programme, which uses advanced technology to monitor medicines from procurement to patient consumption, addressing issues of drug pilferage.

Meanwhile, Health Minister, Elijah Muchima, said there was need to integrate technology courses in the training of nurses, highlighting that technology had become an essential part of health service delivery.

“Nurses need to know how to utilize gadgets in their daily work,” Muchima said.

He also condemned the rampant theft of medicines in health facilities, noting that such actions deprive Zambians of essential drugs.

Muchima further disclosed that the government was mobilizing funds to equip all health facilities with solar energy, aiming to ensure uninterrupted power supply throughout the day.

Additionally, Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) Director-General, Choolwe Nalubamba, announced the construction of two communication towers in Gwembe District.

“The two communication towers will be located at schools to provide institutions and residents with access to phone and internet services,” Nalubamba added.

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