Zamtel develops a digital health package

BUUMBA CHIMBULU writes ZAMTEL has launched a digital health platform to enable health care-providers service their clients electronically. The network provider has developed a mobile application on the digital platform called ‘Venous’ to enable patients make appointments and receive notifications at any point in the process.   Venous is an integrated Hospital Management Digital System. Zamtel and ZcomSystems Limited, developed the system as a customised platform which provides a secure integrated digital solution. This is aimed at enhancing operational efficiencies for health care providers.  Health Minister, Chitalu Chilufya, said Government would roll out the platform countrywide. Dr Chilufya stressed that Government would continue to improve the health services through Information Technology Communication (ICT). The Minister was speaking at the launch of the digital platform in Lusaka yesterday, “We need to invest in technology to improve health Care system in the country. Manual work work has made the Heath Care system inefficient,” he said. Dr Chilufya said e-government remained a key legacy of President Edgar Lungu and the development plan adding that the health sector had taken a lead in the usage of digital platform. He commended Zamtel for responding to Government’s call for smart solutions towards health care provision in Zambia. “Venous fits well with the aspirations contained in the Zambia National Health Strategic Plan that places the use of ICT at the centre of our health systems strengthening agenda. We commend Zamtel for leading the way in embracing digital health,” Dr Chilufya said. The platform allows for automated record management and improved clinical decisions and facilitates quick and coordinated patient care. Zamtel Chief Executive Officer, Sydney Mupeta, said Venous would drastically transform the way in which health care services were delivered in this country and the region.  Using cutting edge technologies, Mr Mupeta said, Zamtel had built a platform that responded to the needs of the patients of today but was also future-ready. “We have successfully piloted the platform at Fairview Hospital and the outcomes have been excellent.  “Venous is customised for both private and government health facilities including external Pharmacies and Laboratories,” he said. The Sun