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Digital Health Programme
In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has launched its Digital Health Programme, a transformative initiative designed to train healthcare staff in the strategic use of digital technologies to enhance healthcare delivery and management.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director-General of GHS, underscored the programme’s potential to reshape Ghana’s healthcare system into one that is more efficient, accessible, and impactful for all.
He highlighted the collaborative efforts between GHS, international partners, and local stakeholders, emphasizing that the initiative aims to leverage digital tools to improve patient care, streamline health data management, and support informed decision-making across the healthcare system.
Dr. Alberta Biritwum-Nyarko, Director of the Policy, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Division at GHS, echoed this vision, stressing the importance of integrating technology into healthcare. She emphasized that the Digital Health Programme would ensure secure and efficient health data management while improving service delivery.
The initiative is set to enhance healthcare access and build capacity at national and sub-national levels, maximizing the benefits of technological advancements.
A Comprehensive Approach to Digital Health
Mr. Hammond Sarkwah, Deputy Director of ICT at GHS, detailed the programme’s components, which include cybersecurity, data science, clinical intelligence, software engineering, and project management.
Participants will engage in hands-on activities such as hackathons, pitching events, and practicums to develop practical expertise. He also called for increased funding, improved ICT infrastructure, and stronger policy and regulatory support to ensure the programme’s success.
Speaking on behalf of the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative for Ghana, Dominic Atweam, Strategic Health Information Systems Specialist, emphasized the role of digital health systems in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC). He reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting Ghana in integrating digital technologies into its healthcare system and called for strategic investments to ensure equitable access to digital health solutions.
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Support from Development Partners
Aimee Ogunro, Monitoring & Evaluation and Communications Specialist at USAID/Ghana, expressed strong support for the programme, highlighting USAID’s collaboration with GHS in three key areas:
Improving interoperability among health systems.
Supporting a pilot initiative for a fully digital district.
Promoting data-driven decision-making at healthcare facilities.
Ms. Ogunro praised GHS’s efforts to streamline health data systems and enhance service delivery through innovation.
Safeguarding Digital Health Systems
In his address, Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), highlighted the importance of protecting health data and ensuring patient privacy. While recognizing the immense potential of digital health, he cautioned against emerging vulnerabilities and assured stakeholders of CSA’s commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s critical health information infrastructure.
Advancing Universal Health Coverage
The Digital Health Programme is a comprehensive capacity-building initiative spearheaded by GHS and the GHS Institute, with support from development partners. Its goal is to empower IT professionals within GHS to manage, innovate, and maintain digital health solutions effectively. By enhancing healthcare access, efficiency, and quality, the programme will play a pivotal role in improving health outcomes and advancing Ghana’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage.
Source: Ghana Health Service
