Zambia is considering a strategic deployment of Starlink’s satellite internet to bolster the Government Wide Area Network, enabling modern digital healthcare to its most remote communities.
The potential rollout complements the recent advancement of SmartCare Pro Electronic Health Record system,the digital backbone of Zambia’s health sector.
This evolution ensures that modern healthcare is no longer restricted to urban centres, but is accessible the country’s most remote regions.
According to Heartson Mabeta, member of parliament for Kankoyo Constituency and vice-chairperson of the parliamentary health committee, comprehensive digital health records have transitioned from a luxury to a necessity for any modern health system seeking to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
Mabeta is currently part of a high-level delegation, including officials from the e-Government Division (SMART Zambia Institute), IHM Southern Africa, and the Ministry of Health, conducting site visits in the Eastern Province.
This national assessment aims to transition SmartCare Pro to full government ownership.
While the ministry is the ultimate custodian of the data, the goal is to transition the technical and operational ownership of SmartCare Pro to e-Government, ensuring the system’s long-term sustainability and impact.
Starlink has been operational in Zambia since October 2023. The SpaceX-owned satellite constellation internet service recently reached a historic peak when MTN Zambia successfully completed Africa’s first field testing of Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell service.
This breakthrough technology allows standard smartphones to connect directly to satellites, effectively acting as cell towers in space to eliminate traditional dead zones.
The trial successfully transmitted the country’s first-ever satellite-based data session and fintech transaction using MTN’s spectrum.
The Ministry of Health highlighted that the Eastern Province evaluation is part of a broader review covering roughly 50% of the national footprint.
The assessment is examining critical areas such as infrastructure maintenance, staff competency retention, system connectivity, and the governance structures required for a full takeover by the ministry.
This exercise builds on significant progress already achieved, including the deployment of the system to over 2,000 health facilities and the training of more than 30,000 healthcare workers nationwide.
“Findings from the Eastern Province assessment will feed into a consolidated sustainability roadmap and detailed site visit reports. These will outline capability transfer requirements, budget considerations, and governance frameworks necessary for full government ownership, reinforcing Zambia’s leadership in digital health innovation and commitment to improving healthcare outcomes,” noted SMART Zambia.
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