The Ministry of Health has rolled out electronic medical information systems in 130 health institutions nationwide, marking a significant step in Ethiopia’s drive to modernize its healthcare sector.
According to Gemechis Melkamu, Lead Executive of the Digital Health Service at the Ministry, the initiative is central to the country’s ten-year national digital health strategy, which seeks to build an integrated ecosystem that leverages technology to improve healthcare delivery.
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“Digitalization is vital for organizing and managing medical data collected across regions. These systems are key to ensuring data accessibility, reliability, and better decision-making in patient care,” Gemechis said.
Institutions that have already adopted the technology are reporting notable improvements, including enhanced data quality, reduced patient morbidity, and greater efficiency in service delivery.
St. Peter Specialized Hospital and Eka Kotebe General Hospital are among the early adopters. Engineer Fanuel Habtamu, Executive Director of ICT at St. Peter, revealed that 74 percent of the hospital’s services are now delivered digitally. At Eka Kotebe, ICT Director Zahreddin Shifa highlighted that the systems have streamlined operations and are expected to extend further with plans to digitize payment services.
Medical professionals are also witnessing tangible benefits. Dr. Bruktawit Kidane of Eka Kotebe said the system has improved efficiency and reduced patient inconvenience, while Dr. Thessalonke Kastu of St. Peter noted shorter waiting times and more organized care.
Patients have expressed similar satisfaction. “Digital services reduced the hassle of hospital visits and helped me manage my time better,” said Teka Wedajo, a patient at St. Peter. At Eka Kotebe, patient Frew Tenaw added that the system has minimized information loss and reduced time wastage.
With growing support from healthcare workers and patients alike, the Ministry of Health anticipates broader benefits as the rollout continues, paving the way for a more efficient, accurate, and responsive national healthcare system.
Source: ENA
