The Ministry of Health and Social Action has launched a digital health framework to strengthen governance and integrate information technologies into Senegal’s health system.
Health Minister Ibrahima Sy said the initiative forms part of the Digital Economy Acceleration Project (PAENS). “This study on the digital health framework highlights the urgent need for better coordination and a stronger legal framework to protect health data,” he stated.
Sy emphasized that digitalization is a strategic priority in Senegal’s transformation agenda by 2050, led by President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.
He noted plans to extend the Computerized Patient Record (DPI) system regionally, starting in 2025. Following pilot deployments at Abass Ndao and Thierno Birahim Ndao hospitals, as well as the HLM Fass and Khadim Rassoul health centers, DPI will be rolled out to six additional regions.
ALSO READ: SOUTH AFRICA, TANZANIA INK ECONOMIC COOPERATION DEAL
The launch event was attended by WHO’s resident representative in Senegal, Jean-Marie Vianny Yameogo, World Bank representative Éric Dunand, National Assembly Health Commission President Khady Sarr, and other private sector and health actors.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accelerating the digital transformation of health services, acknowledging the need to harmonize the many ongoing initiatives. He announced that the draft law on digital health is nearing finalization for submission to the Government’s General Secretariat.
He further called for stakeholders support in effecting the framework, emphasizing on the awareness of the World Health Organization regarding the importance of strengthening digital infrastructure in communities (connectivity, IT equipment) and by mobilizing dedicated funds.
“These standardized technical specifications will be proposed to guide investment decisions,” he said.
