BY S D KASULE
In a heartfelt effort to revolutionize healthcare in Uganda, a dedicated team of researchers and tech experts under the Integrated Health Information Management System(IICS) is determined to break down barriers that have held back the implementation of the Uganda Health Information and Digital Strategic Plan.
At the Digital Health Forum in Kampala, Dr. Sliver Kiyimba, the principal investigator and CEO of IICD, the company that was contracted by the government, to develop this system, says their mission is to enhance healthcare services by closely monitoring the performance of each facet of the healthcare sector and providing valuable feedback to the government for informed decision-making.
“The system could streamline the management of healthcare workers, as well as improve patient care by utilizing national ID cards to reduce waiting times.” Dr Kiyimba highlighted.
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According to Kiyimba, the government constructed IICS, to develop the country’s health information system, in 2010, and it’s now at the deployment level after being successfully developed.
“We already developed the systems, it was piloted at Mulago hospital where it succeeded, and it is now cascaded to the regional referral hospitals remaining with only two.”
“The patients will no longer need to buy books for their medical records, they will only require a national ID, and a thumb print. This system is uses artificial intelligence for it’s functionality, and will interface with the National medical stores to track movements of government drugs as well.” He added.
Meanwhile, in this journey toward digital innovation, there’s a human element that can’t be ignored. Irene Wanyana, a Research Associate from Makerere University School of Public Health, highlighted a significant gap between healthcare providers and the digital world. “Many doctors still prefer a hands-on approach when diagnosing patients, even though some health conditions could be assessed more efficiently with the help of technology.”
She adds that unfortunately, a lack of awareness has left some healthcare professionals fearing that technological advancements may replace them rather than ease their workload.
To bridge this divide, Wanyana emphasized the need to adapt and localize these technological innovations, placing them where they can bring the most value and prevent wastage of resources. “Collaboration between the government, private sector, and implementers is key to educate and empower healthcare providers about the potential of these digital tools.”
Paul Mbaka, the Assistant Commissioner in charge of information management at the Ministry of Health, shared that digital tools are gradually being introduced to healthcare facilities as aids for healthcare workers. These tools are not meant to replace doctors and nurses but to enhance their work and support disease surveillance efforts in the country.
This endeavor aligns with a broader initiative supported by the World Health Organization, WHO, UNICEF, USAID, WFP, UNCDF, CDC, PMI, and The Global Fund. The Uganda Health Information and Digital Strategic Plan aims to strengthen the country’s health information system, improve data quality, and provide a roadmap for digital health implementation to enhance healthcare efficiency and effectiveness.
In this transition to a digitally empowered healthcare system, the human element remains at the core, ensuring that technology complements and empowers the dedicated healthcare providers who work tirelessly for the well-being of the people of Uganda.