Zambia is continuing to make strides in digitalising public services with the launch of a government-owned digital network that will provide reliable internet connectivity to health facilities, schools and other public institutions.
The Smart Zambia Institute, Zambia's e-government agency, has unveiled GovLink Private 4G network, launched in partnership with IHM Southern Africa and the Ministry of Health.
IHM Southern Africa is an informatics-driven social enterprise that uses data and technology to support improved service delivery.
Launched at Ndola Teaching Hospital, GovLink is being rolled out to support secure digital government services, with the health sector leading the deployment.
Digital health platforms SmartCare Pro and SmartCare 2.0 will be migrated to the new network to improve healthcare delivery.
Ndola Teaching Hospital, Kitwe Teaching Hospital and Arthur Davison Children's Hospital are among the first facilities connected, paving the way for a nationwide rollout.
Kasali Musenge, chief technical officer at the Smart Zambia Institute, said at the launch: "GovLink will modernise public service delivery by connecting institutions through a shared national network."
Dr Kennedy Lishimpi, permanent secretary for Technical Services at Zambia's Ministry of Health, described the introduction of GovLink as a major milestone in Zambia's digital health transformation.
"The network will strengthen electronic health records, telemedicine and other digital health services," Lishimpi said.
SmartCare Pro and SmartCare 2.0 are the latest versions of Zambia's electronic health record systems, developed by the Ministry of Health and the Smart Zambia Institute.
The platforms aim to streamline healthcare delivery, eliminate paper-based records and provide seamless nationwide access to patient records.
SmartCare Pro is a digital platform designed to modernise health infrastructure across more than 2,000 facilities.
SmartCare 2.0 is the latest hospital-focused version of the platform.
The GovLink rollout forms part of Zambia's broader digital transformation agenda. ITWeb Africa has previously reported on the country's efforts to expand e-government services, improve connectivity for public institutions and modernise service delivery through technology.
Share
