Africa's expanding internet access is driving the rapid development of digital infrastructure, which in turn is revolutionizing e-health. This transformation is improving healthcare access and streamlining medical services management.

Burkina Faso plans to implement a hospital information system as part of the Presidential Health Initiative (IPS), focusing on improving healthcare efficiency through digital solutions.

Minister of Digital Transition, Posts, and Electronic Communications Aminata Zerbo/Sabane (photo, right) and Minister of Health Robert Lucien Jean-Claude Kargougou (photo, left) met Monday, March 10, to review progress and validate the strategic directions of the project’s digital plan.

“This digital component is a priority for the government, which aims to strengthen national sovereignty in the digital domain and improve the efficiency of the healthcare system,” the ministers said in a joint statement.

They praised the project’s advancement, commended the technical teams, and urged accelerated modernization of healthcare infrastructure via digital tools.

The hospital information system deployment includes connecting healthcare facilities to the National Information Network (RESINA), establishing local networks, providing IT hardware, selecting a management platform, and securing medical data. The initiative aims to enhance coordination between healthcare facilities and improve patient care tracking.

In a context of healthcare access challenges, Burkina Faso views sector digitization as a key solution, officials said. They added that centralizing electronic medical records enables precise patient follow-ups, improved medical care, and reduced errors. 

However, implementation requires reliable infrastructure, a strict regulatory framework for data confidentiality, and healthcare professional training. Through the project, Burkina Faso aims to establish a high-performance e-health ecosystem to meet population needs and align with global medical sector digital trends.

By Samira Njoya,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji