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Microsoft PowerPoint - ICT IN HEALTH -UGANDA EXPERIENCE
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Strengthening use of ICT for Health
Care - Uganda Experience
Dr. Eddie Mukooyo
SEYCHELLES
25-29 February 2008

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Outline
Background
National e-Policy Frame work
Status of e-Health
Challenges
Achievements
Way forward

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Introduction
Health Reforms
Health Policy and Health Sector Strategic Plan
ICT as one of the support systems (UMHCP)
Liberalization Policy of Government - to promote the
development and application of ICT
National e-Health Steering committee
In process of finalizing the Health ICT Policy, strategies
and action plan

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National ICT Policy Framework
The government of the Republic of Uganda
recognises the important role information and
ICT play in national development. Government
consequently unreservedly committed itself to
champion the development and use of ICT in
Uganda (2003)
Dedicated Ministry of ICT

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National Vision
A Uganda where national development,
especially human development and good
governance, are sustainably enhanced,
promoted and accelerated by efficient
application and use of ICT, including timely
access to information

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National Goal
To promote the development and effective
utilisation of ICT such that quantifiable impact
is achieved throughout the country within the
next 10 years in line with PEAP and MDG’s

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Coordination Bodies
In Various Government Departments and
Institutions:
-In case of the Health sector we have the
National e-Health Steering Committee
For harmonization to ensure that all ICT
equipment specifications/configurations can
interface with each other - synergy

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Structure of Uganda's Health System
Primary health care – lower level health
facilities (HSD, HCIII, HCII)
Secondary health care – Referral Hospitals at
both District (General) and Regional Level
Tertiary health care – National Referral
Hospitals

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Areas where e-Health can assist
Lack of access to specialists doctors
Need for second opinion
Lack and need for CME (e-learning)
Lack of proper record keeping of clinical data
and prescription
Need for information in real time
Lack of proper screening before referral
Lack of sufficient equipments/ambulances

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ICT in Health Care Delivery
Continuing Medical Education (e-learning)
Data and records management
Real time access to information
Tele-consultation/Telemedicine, peer support
Health services administration
Health research
For policy formulation

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Role of ICT in Clinical Care
Easy access to information enhances
- timely and accurate Diagnosis,
- appropriate and timely Treatment,
- speedy Referral (continuity of care)
- On- time Consultation/ peer support
Cost saving,
- minimizes wastage, saves on time
Bridging the gap (Inequity)
- “rural/ urban divide” - Telemedicine

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Where we are at:
National & Regional level
Data Bank
computerized data base for HMIS data including HRH
Integrating GIS with HMIS
Library
Automated system for retrieval of materials at the center
Developing e-library system (KM Portal)
E-Governance & UCC Initiatives
Internet connectivity at MOH HQ (website, LAN), and districts
Electronic mailing systems
Sensitisation workshops for Telemedicine
Basic Infrastructure in Uganda has reached >80% dist

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WHERE WE ARE – MoH (SERVER ROOM)

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WHERE WE ARE - MoH (E-GOVERNANCE)

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Orientation at Ministry of ICT

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Where we are (district )
ICT AVAILABILITY AT DISTRICT LEVEL
61%
41%
29%
48%
100%
57%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Computers
Fax
Machines
Internet/E-
mail
Radio
Calls
Mobile
Fixed
Telephone
ICT TYPE

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Infrastructure at HSD
(2%)
(27%)
(31%)
E-mail
Fax Services
Functional
Radio call
system
HSD with
Computer

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Major Constraints
Management
Local Technical Support (HR)
Developmental cost & Maintenance
Rapid change in technology
Sustainability
Cultural adaptability (Technophobia)
Power availability

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Challenges - information
Inaccurate and incomplete records.
Lack of standard formats of record keeping.
Lack of standard nomenclature.
Parallel data collection systems
Lack of / or unclear guidelines on information policy
and data security
Legal / ethical issues related to information & ICT use.
Low knowledge of ICT policy by health providers.

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Challenges - human resource
Need for ICT based technical cadre to be made
part of public service structure.
Low computer literacy rates among health
providers
Attitudes about ICT use among staff (fear factor /
Techno phobia).
Need for in-service training for ICT use in health
care delivery.
Adjust curricula for health provider trainees to
include ICT.

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Challenges - infrastructure
Low density of ICT equipment in health units.
Low distribution of reliable hydro electricity power in
community health units.
Lack of standardization & specification of ICT
technology in health unit for compatibility.
Due to lack of equipment standardization, development
partners do donate obsolete equipment to the ministry
some do not have local technical support

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Challenges - (security of data & legal
issues)
Lack of security framework for data
management e.g. Pubic keys infrastructure.
Ethical & legal issues related to management
of medical data using ICTS.

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Challenges - (financing & sustainability)
High costs of set-up of ICTS.
High tariffs for communication / networks (ISP) – 50%
waiver on monthly premiums.
Need to budget for ICT services at all levels of health
care services delivery.
Need to negotiate with the Uganda Communications
Commission & government about benefits of rural
communications fund, rural electrifications, tax waivers
on ICTS technologies

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Other challenges
Need to sensitize policy makers & community
leaders about the benefits of integrating ICTS
in health care delivery and education
curriculum..
(Cost benefit analysis).
Need to do research to identify appropriate
ICTS at the different levels of healthcare.

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Accomplishments - 1
E-Governance Initiative with Video Conferencing
facility
Installed a Local Area Network at the MOH head
quarters
Installed a Metro Area Network at the Health
Infrastructure office via leased line
The Ministry of Health has a website at
http://www.health.go.ug
Developed the current draft ICT policy and seeking
approval of top management

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Accomplishments - 2
Developed web-enabled HMIS
Now designing web enabled district databases (facility
& equipment inventory) – on line modules
Have developed Electronic mailing system to facilitate
email communication
Developing integrated HRH IS - web enabled
databases
Developing MoH Institutional memory database
Developing Knowledge Management Portal

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Accomplishments - 3
Working closely with EAC Secretariat to
develop a regional databases with Maps
Working with ECSA to develop HR
Observatory
Collaborating with Makerere University on use
of PDA’s in Health Care Delivery
Carried out Service Availability Mapping using
GIS

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Way Forward
We are Consolidating existing Telemedicine
Projects
Finalizing ICT policy, strategies and action plan
for Health
Coordinating of e-Health projects in country
Increasing awareness among medical
professionals
Establishing Private Virtual Networks
Involvement of all stakeholders for ownership
and sustainability

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Thinking Ahead…
“Developing Countries can no longer
expect to base their development on their
comparative labour advantage. The
competitive advantage that now counts is
the application of knowledge.” Peter
Drucker (1994, p 62)
Challenges need to be identified and
addressed

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Asante Sana
Thank you
Merci