The Ministry of Health in Rwanda has announced that it is intensifying efforts to promote the use of technology in the health sector, with a target to have all health facilities connected to the E-Health system by the end of this year. This initiative aims to improve efficiency and speed in healthcare service delivery.
This was highlighted as Rwanda hosted the Africa Digital Health Conference, which focused on how technology can transform healthcare across the continent. Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana stated that the country is committed to eliminating obstacles in service delivery through digital solutions.
He said: “You remember how people used to line up at banks, but now everyone has banking services on their phones. The same transformation is coming to healthcare—we want to reduce waiting lines and make it possible to pay, book appointments, or order medicine directly from your phone.”
Dr. Nsanzimana explained that the E-Health platform will be rolled out nationwide within the next six months, allowing every Rwandan to access health services more easily. Smartphone users will access it through a mobile app, while those with basic phones will use USSD codes.
The system will securely store each person’s medical history—from their first consultation to the most recent visit—enabling doctors to view previous treatments and prescriptions, which will enhance accuracy and speed in patient care.
He added that the world is rapidly shifting toward the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare, allowing machines to analyze large sets of patient data simultaneously, helping to address the shortage of medical professionals. However, he emphasized the need for strong policies to prevent misuse of AI technologies.
“AI is a powerful solution to challenges like the shortage of doctors in Africa, but it must be used responsibly to avoid harmful consequences,” Dr. Nsanzimana said.
The UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, Prof. Ozonnia Ojielo, praised Rwanda’s leadership in embracing digital health solutions, describing the E-Health initiative as a model for the entire continent.
Similarly, Jean Philbert Nsengimana, Senior Advisor for Technology at Africa CDC, commended Rwanda for setting a strong example in health data management through its national data center, which now supports similar initiatives in 18 other African countries.
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