Leaders scrutinize Seychelles’ digital health transformation |23 January 2024
A partial view of the gathering
Over 30 leaders from Seychelles’ health ministry met yesterday for a visioning meeting on digital health.
The one-day meeting at Escale Marina Resort and Spa was to examine the progress of the digital technology in Seychelles and work towards a road map for the further improvements of digital health.
The landmark event was opened by Health Minister, Peggy Vidot, who highlighted the use of technologies in our daily lives and how it could be incorporated into the health sector, urging health leaders to divert their attention to digital health.
“We need more focus on digital health and we need to know where we are and where we are going,” said Minister Vidot.
This innovation in health is part of their National Health Strategic Plan 2022-2026. It has been three years since its implementation and it was developed during the pandemic, considered as a period of uncertainty.
An example where digital health was used was during the Covid-19 pandemic when the health sector communicated to the public via texts, sharing information on Covid-19 status and statistics about the pandemic. “We saw how Covid-19 added a lot of fuel to digital health care,” said Mrs Vidot.
“It is about using computer and other technological gadgets to make it easier for the Ministry of Health,” explained Health Consultant, Dr Conrad Shamlaye in an interview to Seychelles NATION, pointing out digital system was already available in health care. However they were trying to improve its implementation.
“These benefits that we will get from this will be for the community,” said Dr Shamlaye, who was also one of the key speakers at the event.
One such system is the Electronic Health Information System (EHIS) which has been operational since the end of 2021. The ministry was now trying to link the system with labs and x-trays so doctors could get it straight to their computers.
Yesterday’s one-day session included insightful presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions delving into the key components of the Digital Health Roadmap.
Speakers shared their perspectives on the strategic vision, goals, and implementation plans for the digital transformation of the healthcare sector.
Anika Cathene/Health Ministry press release
Photos by Joena Meme
