In a major step toward modernizing healthcare, the Zambian government has launched the Digital Health Systems Project aimed at enhancing service delivery in hospitals nationwide. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Technology and Science, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, this initiative seeks to digitize healthcare services and streamline the management of medical supplies.
The project was officially launched at Gwembe District Hospital in the Munyumbwe area of Southern Province. Felix Mutati, Minister of Technology and Science, highlighted the critical role digital tools will play in improving healthcare accessibility across the country.
“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.
A key feature of the Digital Health Systems Project is the Track and Trace program, which leverages advanced technology to monitor the distribution of medicines from procurement to consumption by patients. This system is designed to address the issue of drug theft, ensuring that medications reach the intended recipients and helping to prevent shortages in health facilities.
Health Minister Elijah Muchima underscored the importance of integrating technology into healthcare training. He pointed out that nurses and other healthcare professionals will need to become proficient with digital tools to fully benefit from the new systems.
“Nurses must be trained to operate these new technologies as part of their daily work in delivering healthcare,” Muchima said. He also condemned the rampant theft of medicines in health institutions, stressing that such acts severely harm patients who depend on these drugs.
In addition to the digital health initiative, the Zambian government is focusing on improving infrastructure in hospitals. Minister Muchima announced plans to equip health facilities with solar power systems, ensuring that they have a reliable energy supply to support uninterrupted healthcare services.
Meanwhile, Choolwe Nalubamba, Director-General of the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA), revealed that two new communication towers will be constructed in Gwembe District. These towers will enhance access to phone and internet services in the region, benefiting both schools and residents, and contributing to the broader digital transformation of the country.