In a rapidly advancing technological era, where digital innovations are reshaping industries worldwide, the Service has officially launched its Digital Health Programme, an initiative designed to train health staff in strategically using digital technologies to enhance healthcare delivery and management.
Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director-General of the Service, in his address, emphasized the programme’s transformative potential in shaping the future of healthcare in Ghana. He outlined the vision for a health system that is more efficient, accessible, and impactful for all Ghanaians. Dr. Kuma-Aboagye expressed pride in the collaborative efforts between GHS, international partners, and local stakeholders, highlighting that the Digital Health Programme would leverage digital tools to improve patient care, streamline health data management, and support better decision-making across the country’s health system.
Echoing this vision, Dr. Alberta Biritwum-Nyarko, Director of the Policy, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Division at GHS, highlighted the strategic importance of integrating technology into healthcare. She underscored the programme’s role in ensuring that health data is managed securely and effectively, contributing to improved service delivery. Dr. Biritwum-Nyarko stressed that the initiative would enhance healthcare access while also building capacity at both national and sub-national levels to make the most of technological advancements in healthcare.
Deputy Director ICT-GHS recounted the transformative journey embarked on so far. Mr. Hammond Sarkwah noted that the programme will encompass cybersecurity, data science, clinical intelligence, software engineering, and project management. Using a hands-on approach, learners will engage in hackathons, pitching events, and practicums. He further called for an increase in funding for ICT initiatives, enhancement of ICT infrastructure, as well as policy and regulatory support.
Speaking on behalf of WHO’s Country Representative for Ghana, Dr. Frank Lule, Dominic Atweam, Strategic Health Information Systems Specialist at the WHO, highlighted the critical role of digital health systems in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC). He reiterated WHO’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s integration of digital technologies into its healthcare system and emphasized the importance of strategic investments to ensure equitable access to digital health interventions.
Aimee Ogunro, M&E and Communications Specialist at USAID/Ghana, further expressed strong support for the Digital Health Programme. She outlined three key areas where USAID is partnering with GHS: improving interoperability among health systems, supporting a pilot of a fully digital district, and promoting data-driven decision-making at the facility level. Ms Ogunro commended GHS for its efforts to streamline health data systems and improve service delivery through digital innovation.
In an address, Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), stressed the importance of securing health data and protecting patient privacy. He acknowledged the immense potential digital health holds but cautioned that with new technologies come new vulnerabilities. Dr. Antwi-Boasiako assured stakeholders of CSA’s commitment to safeguarding critical health information infrastructure, ensuring that the growing digital health landscape remains secure and resilient.
The Digital Health Programme, a collaborative effort by the GHS and the GHS Institute with support from development partners, is an extensive capacity-building initiative aimed at establishing a sustainable healthcare system to advance Ghana’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The programme focuses on empowering IT professionals within GHS to manage, innovate, and maintain digital health solutions effectively. Additionally, it seeks to improve healthcare access, efficiency, and quality, ultimately enhancing health outcomes for all Ghanaians.
SOURCE: PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT
