Uganda receives IT equipment to expand electronic medical records

UGANDA—The Ugandan Ministry of Health has received a boost in its digitization efforts through a donation of IT equipment worth UGX 865 million (US$222,594).

This donation, provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Federal Republic of Germany, is intended to support the ministry’s ongoing efforts to digitise health service delivery and scale up the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system across public health facilities nationwide.

The contribution consists of 95 laptops and 130 scanners, which will be instrumental in expanding the use of EMR systems in public health centers.

This initiative aligns with Uganda’s Health Information and Digital Health Strategic Plan (2020/21-2024/25) and contributes to the broader objectives outlined in the country’s National Development Plan (NDP) III.

The move is also part of a presidential directive to leverage technology to enhance healthcare delivery, ensure accountability, and maintain patient care continuity.

At the handover ceremony, Dr. Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, expressed her appreciation for the ongoing support from WHO and Germany.

She emphasized the importance of scaling up electronic medical records nationwide to improve efficiency in healthcare delivery.

Dr. Atwine also noted that while the rollout of the EMR system has begun, starting with National Referral hospitals and high-volume Health Centre IIIs, substantial investments are still needed, particularly in computers and networking equipment, to effectively implement and expand the system.

In her remarks, Dr. Christine Chakanyuka Musanhu, the Officer in Charge at the WHO Uganda Country Office, highlighted the significance of the donation in strengthening Uganda’s healthcare system.

She reiterated that the expansion of the EMR system is crucial for meeting the population’s healthcare needs and improving the quality of care in the country.

Dr. Musanhu further emphasized WHO’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s health sector through strategic partnerships.

Hans von Schroeder, the German Deputy Ambassador to Uganda, echoed this sentiment, reaffirming his government’s dedication to strengthening Uganda’s health system.

He highlighted the critical role that digitization, particularly through the EMR system, plays in improving access to timely healthcare services for all Ugandans.

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