KAMPALA– Key players in the health sector have expressed the need for medical practitioners and the general public to embrace Artificial Intelligence plus other digital means for improved service delivery.
These who converged at Serena Hotel in Kampala on Thursday for the 4th Annual Smart Summit noted that the use of technology advancement tools provide patients easy access to health services thereby saving them money and time.
“We are seeing that there has been more use of AI in various sectors. If it has been embraced in other sectors , then why not in the health sector. It
Can help us in Africa as a continent to bridge the gap between health care practitioners by bridging the gap between patients and doctors.” Remarked Harrison Muiru, Group managing Director , Smart Applications.
He also noted that in order for AI and digitalization of Health sector to be successful, health care actors have to work together as a team as it has been for this year’s Smart summit.
“We have been focusing on how to promote AI in the context of local language models like Luganda and Runyakore. As the patients and Practitioners adopt Al, they must remember that all aspects of data privacy must be followed.”
Muiru further advised graduates and other literate people in rural areas to use their expertise to sensitize other members of the public on proper use of ICT gadgets.
Dr. Davis Musinguzi, the co-founder of Rocket Health Uganda and one of the delegates of the summit emphasized that the use of AI in Uganda’s health sector , will speed the process for health insurance subscribers during their visits to health facilities.
“I think we are going to see a lot of Applications that impact health care directly whether it’s on insurance claims side with automation. If claims are handled faster and customers get better services.” Noted Musinguzi
He added there may be a challenge of adopting AI technology among health workers, but this can be resolved as they continue getting used to technology.
“There is need to subside cost of data, smart phones and investing in training via innovation hubs and improving on the curriculum. The Government through Ministry of Education, ICT and Health has a very big role to play in ensuring that nobody is left behind when it comes to matters of information communication Technology.”
During the summit, Smart Applications international Uganda unveiled statistics and analytics that highlighted the impact of digital health care solutions across Eastern African region.
It also attracted over 500 participants who included policy makers, innovators and industry leaders from all over the country.
Smart Applications International’s footprint in Eastern Africa continued to expand in 2024, with its transformative technology touching millions of lives. The company established itself as a critical player in digitizing healthcare systems, simplifying processes, and improving patient outcomes.
In 2024, Smart’s presence across eight countries in Eastern Africa was not only significant but also impactful. Over 5.79 million interactions with clients were facilitated, highlighting the strength of Smart’s systems and their ability to connect insurers, healthcare providers,and patients seamlessly. Through these interactions, an impressive KSh 53.7 billion moved trough Smart’s platforms, showcasing the scale of operations and trust placed in their solutions.
