Madagascar aims to accelerate its digital transformation, making it a key economic driver across all sectors, including healthcare.

The Malagasy government launched a hospital digitalization project, with the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Digital Development, Posts, and Telecommunications (MDNPT) signing a partnership agreement on Friday, March 14.

The project aims to improve governance and transparency in public hospitals and increase access to healthcare.

"Several stages are planned in this project, but optimizing the patient journey and improving patient care have been identified as priorities, as they have a direct impact on the daily lives of the Malagasy population," the MDNPT said in a Facebook statement. Minister of Public Health Zely Arivelony Randriamanantany said digital tools and systems would improve patient management and financial transaction monitoring.

The initiative aligns with Madagascar's 2023-2028 Five-Year Strategic Digital Plan, which seeks to position the country as a key player in Africa's digital economy. In the healthcare sector, the government aims to invest in human capital, improve governance, increase access to care, and strengthen public confidence in the national health system.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said the program could enhance healthcare services and optimize decision-making through real-time data collection, storage, and analysis. In its 2024 report, "Health Data Digitalization in Africa: Unlocking the Potential," the WHO stated, "This data-driven approach helps healthcare professionals choose appropriate treatments and supports policymakers in developing impactful health policies."

By Isaac K. Kassouwi,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji