COLUMN: TECHNOLOGY IN OUR SOCIETY. Revolutionising healthcare via tech: Opportunities, challenges and road ahead

INFORMATION, Communication and Technology (ICT) innovation and development is increasingly occurring in developing countries themselves. These consumer trends, coupled with declining hardware and communications costs globally, offer a huge opportunity to better use ICT as a tool to address longstanding issues in health services delivery. Better use of better data can improve health systems and health outcomes.

The work of health workers and managers can be improved if they can use data to track clients, support clinical decisions, provide services efficiently, identify and solve problems, measure performance and allocate resources. Access to quality health services remains a key pillar of Tanzania’s development vision.

As the country strives to meet Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being, aiming to ensure healthy lives and promoting well being for all ages), technology is proving to be a game-changer in transforming how health services are delivered, accessed and monitored. From remote diagnosis to digital health records and mobile apps for maternal care.

Tanzania’s healthcare sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the adoption of technology. This shift is improving healthcare delivery, enhancing patient outcomes and increasing access to medical services. The government has implemented digital health management systems, enabling the collection and analysis of health data for informed decision-making and improved healthcare planning.

Telemedicine platforms are being used to connect patients with healthcare professionals remotely, reducing barriers to access and improving healthcare outcomes.

Tanzania Digital Health strategy (2019-2024) sought to use digital technologies to strengthen health systems in areas of governance and leadership, management of resources (human, financials and materials), Health Information systems, Supply chain of health commodities and delivery of quality health services.

Hospitals like Muhimbili National Hospital and various district health facilities have adopted digital patient record systems to improve efficiency, reduce paperwork and minimise medical errors.

ALSO READ: PM directs institutions to utilize e-technology in accessing public information

These systems allow doctors to access patient history instantly, saving lives in emergency situations. In rural areas, telemedicine platforms like Pigia Daktari App, TanzMED, Yapili and Afyaca allow patients to consult doctors remotely through mobile phones. This is particularly vital where specialists are not available.

In 2023, the Ministry of Health reported a 40 per cent increase in tele-consultations compared to 2021. Apps like Wazazi Nipendeni help expectant mothers receive SMS-based reminders for clinic visits, immunisations and nutrition tips.

The app has reached over 1.5 million users across Tanzania, significantly reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in areas like Rukwa and Lindi. The use of e-learning platforms, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowed over 10,000 healthcare workers to receive up-skilling training without leaving their stations.

These include courses on emergency response, infectious disease management and vaccine administration. Tanzania is utilising drone technology to improve the delivery of medical supplies to remote and underserved areas. Several news reports from 2021 and earlier indicate that the Tanzanian government has partnered with companies like Zipline to implement drone delivery systems for essential medical supplies, including blood, vaccines and other vital medications.

Drones have been deployed in parts of Dodoma and Mwanza to deliver blood, vaccines and emergency supplies cutting down delivery time from hours to minutes in critical conditions.

These efforts aim to address challenges in healthcare access in remote regions, where traditional transportation methods are often slow, costly, or unreliable. Tanzania is making strides but not without challenges.

The are a number of challenges that are hindering Full Adoption of HealthTech including the following: Inadequate Infrastructure: Many rural facilities lack reliable internet, power and equipment to support digital systems. Digital Literacy: Both health workers and patients sometimes lack the skills to effectively use health technology tools. Funding Constraints: Initial costs for implementation, maintenance and training are high.

Data Privacy and Security Concerns: There’s limited legal protection and understanding of health data security and patient privacy. Fragmentation: Many solutions are donor-driven and not well integrated into national health systems. Looking at some examples of the best practices from some countries in the region and in the world, we have seen notable progress with the health tech platforms, which allow citizens to save, send and pay for health services using mobile money.

There are ongoing pilots on Artificial Intelligence for disease surveillance and mobile diagnostics, particularly in HIV/AIDS and TB management. Globally, countries like Estonia have fully digitised health records linked to national ID systems, while India has rolled out Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission to give every citizen a digital health ID and history.

Tanzania is on the right path but needs stronger coordination, integration and investment to catch up with regional leaders. Below are the Recommendations for Improvement: Invest in Digital Infrastructure: Expand internet and electricity to rural health centres. Strengthening digital infrastructure and improving connectivity are essential for the widespread adoption of digital health technologies.

Strengthen Capacity Building: Train health workers and communities in using digital tools. Training healthcare professionals and patients in digital literacy and data analysis is critical for effective utilisation of digital health technologies. Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage innovation through collaboration with startups and telecoms.

Collaboration between stakeholders, including governments, healthcare providers and technology developers, is necessary for the successful implementation and sustainability of digital health initiatives. Data Governance Policies: Enact laws to protect patient privacy and ensure ethical use of data.

Developing and implementing policies and regulations that support digital health innovation while ensuring data security and privacy is vital. National Integration Strategy: Ensure all digital health solutions are aligned with the National eHealth Strategy.

Some of the available opportunities that can be harnessed to improve health care service provision in Tanzania includes Artificial Intelligence, (AI) can be used to improve diagnostic accuracy and speed, enabling healthcare professionals to make informed decisions and provide better patient care.

Technology allows for tailored treatment plans, taking into account individual patient characteristics, medical history and genetic profiles. Telemedicine and mobile health (mHealth) initiatives are expanding healthcare access to rural and underserved areas, bridging the gap in healthcare disparities.

Health information systems and data analytics enable healthcare professionals and policymakers to make informed decisions, optimising resource allocation and improving healthcare outcomes.

Technology holds immense potential to revolutionise health services in Tanzania improving access, reducing costs and saving lives.

As we move forward, strategic investments, stakeholder collaboration and strong political will are essential to ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital health revolution. Let us support efforts to modernise our health system and hold stakeholders accountable. A healthier Tanzania begins with a smarter.