Health tech firm calls for rollout of interoperable digital health systems

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Africa’s health leaders and policymakers are calling for urgent implementation of integrated digital health systems to strengthen accountability and service delivery across the continent.

Over the past two decades, Smart Applications International has played a pivotal role in advancing healthcare technology across Africa. The company delivers solutions in biometric identity, digital health platforms, and analytics while partnering with governments, healthcare providers, insurers, and development organizations to strengthen healthcare systems and expand access to essential services.

Despite growing investments in digital health, many healthcare systems remain fragmented, with isolated tools failing to link patients, providers, payers, and policymakers. Experts say moving from pilot projects to fully implemented solutions is critical to ensuring that technology drives measurable improvements in outcomes.

Speaking during the fifth Smart summit hosted by Smart Applications International in Nairobi, Chairman of the Board of Smart Applications International, Andrew Musangi, highlighted that turning investments into action is essential to achieving results. Linking systems across the healthcare value chain is critical to ensuring that digital initiatives produce tangible benefits for patients and communities.

“Digital health initiatives will only succeed if they are fully implemented and linked across the system. Fragmented tools cannot deliver the results our populations need,” Musangi said.

Expanding access is an important step, but true transformation depends on embedding technology into everyday operations. According to the Group Managing Director of Smart Applications International, Harrison Muiru, integrating digital tools across all levels of the healthcare system is necessary to strengthen accountability and improve outcomes.

“The progress we have made in expanding access to healthcare is significant, but access alone is not enough. The next frontier is accountability, ensuring that healthcare systems are efficient, transparent, and capable of delivering measurable outcomes.”

Government officials reinforced that robust digital systems are central to achieving national health priorities. Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr Ouma Oluga, explained that integrated platforms are key to advancing Universal Health Coverage and improving service delivery across the country.

“Technology is a critical enabler, from patient identification and service delivery to claims management and policy decision-making. Our focus must be on building integrated, secure, and scalable digital health systems that enhance efficiency, improve accountability, and ensure that healthcare services reach every citizen,” PS Oluga said.

Stakeholders also highlighted the need to move from pilot projects to scalable solutions at national and regional levels.

They identified four priority areas for implementation: expanding proven digital tools, strengthening interoperability across systems, leveraging data for real-time decision-making, and enhancing accountability across healthcare financing and service delivery.

To reinforce a culture of performance and innovation, the Smart Summit Excellence Awards were launched to recognize institutions and leaders driving measurable improvements in healthcare access and system efficiency across Africa.