A historic moment in healthcare has arrived as Aga Khan Health Services, East Africa (AKHS EA) and MEDITECH, join hands to introduce a transformative Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. This ground-breaking partnership, signed during a momentous ceremony on 2nd August 2023, is set to revolutionise patient care across Tanzania and Kenya, heralding a new era of innovative healthcare practices. The Aga Khan Health Services thus joins the Aga Khan University who initiated the AKDN partnership with MEDITECH and follows the implementation of the MEDITECH solution at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi.

The signing ceremony brought together key stakeholders from AKHS, EA and MEDITECH, signifying the tremendous importance of this collaboration. This collaboration represents an unprecedented commitment from both organisations to drive positive change in healthcare delivery through cutting-edge technology. Under this transformative partnership, the Electronic Health Record system will be seamlessly integrated into Aga Khan Hospital Dar-es-salaam, Aga Khan Medical Center Mwanza, and all outreach health clinics, forming a comprehensive network of healthcare services. Furthermore, it will extend its impact to the cities of Kisumu and Mombasa in Kenya, promising to elevate healthcare standards and accessibility in these regions.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ms Charlotte Jackson Group CEO MEDITECH International, said, “Today, once again, marks a significant milestone in Healthcare on the African continent where vision has been put into action to bring innovation and success to its people by selecting MEDITECH Expanse EHR. Making a difference in Healthcare, keeping the patient in the centre and driving the change necessary to meet this vision of Aga Khan Health Services for Tanzania and East Africa is a privilege and we look forward to this journey.

Ms Charlotte Jackson added: True partnership begins with aligned core values and MEDITECH and AKHS have just this - making a meaningful impact in improving patient outcomes, improving quality health service and education, committing to quality of care, working with compassion, building sustainable environments and ensuring universal access to healthcare”.

Dr. Zeenat Sulaiman, Regional Chief Executive Officer, Aga Khan Health Services, East Africa, addressing the gathering stated, “The dedication to enhancing patient care and experience lies at the heart of this endeavour. The EHR system, integrated seamlessly into healthcare facilities across Tanzania and East Africa, is poised to drive patient-centric care. With streamlined medical data management, healthcare professionals can access comprehensive patient records, facilitating better-informed decisions and personalised treatment plans. This improved coordination among care teams will optimise patient outcomes and elevate the overall quality of healthcare services”.

Dr. Zeenat Sulaiman added, “The successful implementation of the EHR system at Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, has already demonstrated the transformative potential of this partnership. As this visionary project unfolds, it promises to leave an indelible mark on the healthcare sector in Tanzania and East Africa, setting a benchmark for future advancements. Moreover, the Aga Khan Development Network's (AKDN) significant contributions to the healthcare sector in Tanzania are noteworthy. The AKDN's tireless efforts in investing in the betterment of healthcare services underscore its mission to provide world-class healthcare solutions to the people of Tanzania.

Dr. Sushanth Pillai, Managing Director for MEDITECH South Africa added: We are embarking on a journey that will redefine the landscape of patient care and healthcare administration in East Africa. Our EHR system (Expanse) will empower our healthcare professionals with the tools they need to provide even higher quality care.

The MEDITECH EHR system's implementation is expected to unleash a host of benefits, which will significantly contribute to the advancement of healthcare in the region. Some of the positive aspects of the system include:

1. Enhanced Interoperability: The EHR system fosters interoperability among various healthcare facilities, enabling seamless information exchange and collaboration, ultimately leading to more effective healthcare delivery.

2. Empowering Patients: With secure access to their health records and personalised health information, patients become active participants in their healthcare journey, fostering a sense of empowerment and accountability.

3. Improved Efficiency: By streamlining administrative tasks and automating processes, healthcare providers can dedicate more time to direct patient care, reducing wait time, and enhancing overall efficiency.

4. Enhanced Patient Safety: The EHR system incorporates advanced safety features, such as automated medication alerts and allergy checks, minimising the risk of errors and improving patient safety.

5. Data-Driven Insights: The system's robust analytics capabilities provide valuable data insights, empowering healthcare administrators and policymakers to make data-driven decisions for better resource allocation and strategic planning.

AKHS, EA and MEDITECH stand united in their commitment to champion innovation and excellence in healthcare. This collaboration is a testament to their shared vision of creating healthier communities and elevating healthcare standards across Tanzania and East Africa.