The initiative centres on the nationwide rollout of e-Ubuzima, a digital health platform that enables both doctors and patients to access medical records online. Already in use in 15 districts, e-Ubuzima is set to become the backbone of Rwanda's health data management.
'We've set a target: by December this year, all health facilities in Rwanda should be fully digital and paperless,' said Muhammed Semakula, Head of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Health Financing at the Ministry of Health, in an interview with The New Times.
While the system is ready for full deployment, Semakula acknowledged that logistical hurdles remain.
'You need computers at every health facility. One facility needs a minimum of 25 computers to be fully digitalised,' he said, noting that larger hospitals may require even more due to multiple departments.
In addition to hardware, the ministry is focused on equipping healthcare workers with the skills needed to operate digital tools.
'We're noticing that many from the older generation have lower computer literacy… This is why consistent training is needed,' Semakula explained.
Each health facility requires approximately two weeks of intensive work to fully transition to the digital system, which also relies heavily on stable internet access.
'We also need to ensure every facility has reliable internet,' he added.
Efforts are also underway to digitise community-level health services by mid-year. By June, the ministry aims to equip community health workers with internet-enabled smartphones to streamline data collection and service delivery.
The digitisation initiative is expected to improve efficiency, data accuracy, and continuity of care across the country's health sector.
Earlier this month, Rwanda made another major leap in technology by rolling out astate-of-the-art Health Intelligence Center to enhance real-time monitoring of healthcare services, decision-making, and policy development.
The hub was launched on the sidelines of the Global AI Summit on Africa on April 3, 2025, by the Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, and the Minister of State, Dr. Yvan Butera. They were joined by fellow African health ministers and development partners.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-targets-full-digitisation-of-health-records-by-end-of-2025
