Dar es Salaam – Aga Khan Health Service, Tanzania (AKHS,T) has launched a new Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, dubbed Meditech, across its national healthcare network. The rollout represents a major step in the organization’s digital transformation.
Improving Patient Care Through Technology
The Meditech system is designed to streamline workflows for healthcare professionals and improve patient care by ensuring continuity of treatment across different facilities. This will eliminate the need for patients to repeat tests or rely on paper-based records when moving between locations.
AKHS,T operates an integrated system including Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Aga Khan Medical Centre, Mwanza, and 20 outreach health centres. Together, these facilities serve over one million patients annually and are now connected through the Meditech platform for secure data transfer.
Expanding Access and Efficiency
According to Sisawo Konteh, Chief Executive Officer of AKHS,T, the system will provide healthcare providers with real-time clinical information to support decision-making. The move also aligns with the Tanzanian government’s goals of expanding access to affordable, quality healthcare by reducing costs and improving efficiency.
Patients will also benefit directly through a Patient Portal, allowing secure access to health information, test results, and appointment schedules. The system is also intended to reduce paper usage, supporting AKDN’s “Go Green” strategy and its commitment to net-zero emissions by 2030.
Global Implications
The Meditech platform has the capacity to be deployed across the entire global AKDN network. This could enable secure cross-border transfer of patient records, benefiting Tanzanian patients receiving treatment at AKDN facilities in countries like Kenya and Pakistan. Such a system could significantly transform medical tourism and access to quality healthcare internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of the Meditech system?
The primary goal of the Meditech system is to ease the work of healthcare professionals and ensure continuity of care for patients moving between facilities, eliminating the need for repeated tests or paper-based procedures.
How many facilities are currently connected through the Meditech platform?
All facilities within the AKHS,T network are now connected through the Meditech platform, including Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Aga Khan Medical Centre, Mwanza, and 20 outreach health centres.
What is the AKDN’s environmental goal?
The AKDN is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030, and this initiative supports that goal by significantly reducing paper usage.
As healthcare systems increasingly rely on digital infrastructure, how might this shift impact the relationship between patients and their healthcare providers?
