World Health Organization (WHO) and Germany donate Information Technology (IT) equipment to support health sector digitization

In a significant step towards enhancing healthcare delivery, the Ministry of Health in Uganda has received a major boost to its ongoing efforts to digitize health services. The donation, valued at USD 222,594 (UGX 865,029,221), includes 95 laptops and 130 scanners. This IT equipment, provided by the Federal Republic of Germany through the World Health Organization (WHO), is set to drive the expansion of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems in public health facilities across the country.

The equipment will be distributed to the National Referral Hospital, selected regional referral hospitals, and general hospitals, as part of a broader initiative to integrate digital systems into Uganda’s healthcare infrastructure. This move is in line with Uganda’s Health Information and Digital Health Strategic Plan 2020/21-2024/25, which aims to leverage digital solutions to improve health service delivery and align with the country’s broader development goals.

The Push Towards Digitized Healthcare

Uganda’s Ministry of Health has been making strides in rolling out the EMR system, which is designed to improve the management of patient information and the quality of care provided in health facilities. The adoption of EMR is not only expected to enhance accountability in the distribution of medical supplies but also ensure continuity of care by enabling the easy transfer of patient records across different health centers.

This digitization effort is part of a larger national agenda outlined in the National Development Plan (NDP) III, and follows a directive from President Yoweri Museveni, who emphasized the importance of using technology to modernize the health sector. The EMR system is being introduced in phases, starting with National Referral Hospitals and extending to high-volume Health Centre IIIs.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Dr. Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the importance of digital health solutions in improving healthcare outcomes. “The Ministry is rolling out a comprehensive Electronic Medical Record system to all health facilities across the country. However, we still require significant investment in computers and networking equipment to scale this system effectively,” she said. Dr. Atwine expressed her gratitude for the ongoing support from WHO and the German government, acknowledging that this equipment would be instrumental in achieving Uganda’s digital health objectives.

Global Support for Uganda’s Health System

The partnership between Uganda, WHO, and the German government highlights the importance of international collaboration in improving healthcare systems in developing countries. Dr. Christine Chakanyuka Musanhu, Officer in Charge of WHO Uganda, reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s healthcare system through digital solutions like EMR. “Scaling up Electronic Medical Records aligns perfectly with WHO’s vision to strengthen health systems and ensure they meet the needs of the population,” she said, adding that WHO remains dedicated to improving access to quality healthcare in Uganda.

Hans von Schroeder, Deputy German Ambassador to Uganda, echoed this sentiment, noting the significance of supporting Uganda’s efforts to modernize healthcare. “By supporting the digitization of medical records, we believe we are contributing to ensuring timely access to healthcare for all who need it,” said von Schroeder. He further emphasized Germany’s commitment to working with Uganda to enhance healthcare services.

Looking Ahead: Digitization and Health System Improvement

As Uganda continues to move forward with the digitization of its health sector, the implementation of the EMR system will play a key role in transforming how healthcare is delivered across the country. The introduction of this system is expected to streamline healthcare processes, reduce errors, and improve patient outcomes.

The partnership between the Ministry of Health, WHO, and Germany serves as a strong foundation for future collaborations aimed at strengthening Uganda’s healthcare infrastructure. However, as noted by Dr. Atwine, there is still a need for further investment in technology and infrastructure to fully realize the potential of a digitized healthcare system.

With these steps towards digital health, Uganda is positioning itself to offer more efficient, accountable, and patient-centered healthcare, while also setting an example for other nations seeking to embrace technology in their health systems.