By Micah Christopher Muyamba
Allan Richardson, the chief executive officer Vodafone Uganda, has underscored the significance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in enhancing the delivery of quality health care to Ugandans.
“At Vodafone, we believe that m-Health and e-Health present a unique opportunity to move away from a focus on treatment of diseases to management of health on a regular basis. In developed markets and some of the emerging markets, there are many success stories of patients being empowered and connected to their physicians to manage their health together,” said Mr Richardson in his opening remarks at the 4th Edition of the Vodafone Power Talks at the Kampala Serena Hotel today.
Mr Richardson said access to up-to-date and relevant health information and knowledge by patients, health personnel, service providers, decision makers as well as researchers and funding institutions is vital for improved delivery of health services.
“While ICTs have the potential to be greatly beneficial for the health sector of Uganda, their success is dependent on access to affordable data services, connected devices and the development of the required software, platforms and apps to enable access in addition to education of both healthcare professionals and patients on the benefits of m-Health,” he said.
Key discussants at the event included; Mr Andrew Lutwama, the eHealth Advisor at the Ministry of Health, Dr Paul Okello Aliker, the CEO Dental Studio, Mr Nathan Wasolo, the Route to Market Lead, East Africa, Mr Alfred Wise, Living Goods Country Director, Mrs Judy Mugoya, the Smart Applications Country Manager and Ms Beatrice Bonita Nanziri, the AfriGal Tech and mDex founder.
The discussions were under the theme; “Improving access and delivery of healthcare through ICT”.