The Malagasy government aims to accelerate the country's digital transformation, positioning it as a cornerstone of the Malagasy economy. This effort encompasses all sectors, including the field of healthcare.
The Malagasy government plans to digitize hospitals nationwide. Stéphanie Delmotte, Minister of Digital Development, Posts, and Telecommunications, recently met with officials from the Ministry of Public Health to select two pilot sites for the program's launch.
"This program aims to modernize public hospitals through the strategic of digital technologies," the Ministry of Digital Development, Posts, and Telecommunications announced on Facebook on Monday, January 20th. "Key priorities include streamlining patient flow, ensuring the traceability of medical records, and enhancing service transparency."
This initiative aligns with the Malagasy government's vision to "leverage digital technology to drive national development," as outlined in the 2023-2028 Digital Strategic Plan (PSN). The PSN aims to position the country as a key player in Africa's burgeoning digital economy. Within the healthcare sector, the government is committed to investing in human capital and good governance, improving accessibility to quality care, and fostering public trust in the national healthcare system.
In its 2024 report, "Health Data Digitalization in Africa: Unlocking the Potential," the World Health Organization asserts that digitalization empowers healthcare professionals to make more informed treatment decisions and supports policymakers in developing impactful health policies.
However, the WHO acknowledges that significant challenges remain in Africa's pursuit of digital health transformation. These challenges include fragmented health systems and information silos, a lack of standardized data formats, inadequate infrastructure, and limited digital literacy among healthcare professionals. Moreover, limited access to high-speed internet within hospitals and insufficient interconnectivity between healthcare facilities pose significant obstacles.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
