Kenya’s leading telecommunications company Safaricom has partnered with a consortium of companies for an Integrated Healthcare Information Technology System (IHTS System) in Kenya.
Safaricom will lead a consortium that includes Apeiro Ltd and Konvergenz Network Solutions Ltd to provide IHITS. IHITS is a key infrastructure for implementing Kenya’s Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) which is replacing the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
These three partners bring expertise in health technology, digital infrastructure, and healthcare management.
According to a statement from Safaricom signed by CEO Peter Ndegwa, the three firms will invest approximately Sh104 billion over a 10-year period to implement, maintain and support the IHTS System starting in February 2025.
Ndegwa said the consortium will recover the investment over the period with monthly instalments set to commence in February 2025 upon successful completion of key milestones of the project.
“This project structure allows the Ministry of Health (MoH) to deploy a comprehensive digital health solution without incurring any upfront capital expenditure (CapEx) or operational expenditure (OpEx),” he said.
Key components of the project include the implementation of a Health Information Exchange (HIE), designed to promote interoperability across health systems nationwide. This will enable the unification of patient records across healthcare facilities, improving the efficiency and continuity of care.
Additionally, the system will facilitate the development and deployment of a Standards-Based Integrated Hospital Management Information System (IHMIS) to help digitize public health facilities.
The project also aims to establish a comprehensive infrastructure for Kenya’s digital health ecosystem. This will include a locally hosted health cloud, specially designed endpoint devices such as tablets and computers for healthcare professionals, and a secure mobile and fixed network infrastructure across public health facilities. Power backup systems will also be installed in healthcare facilities to ensure continuous uptime.
Safaricom and its partners also plan to incorporate robust cybersecurity measures to protect patient data and ensure compliance with Kenyan laws. They will also support the Ministry in training public health professionals, project management and the ground rollout of various technology components across the country.
“The delivery of this project builds on Safaricom’s ability to roll out digital platforms that have had a positive impact on Kenyans such as Hustler Fund, the fertiliser e-voucher programme and disbursement of social support funds to the elderly through the Inua Jamii program,” Ndegwa concluded.
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