“Zambia reboot its healthcare System”
SMART Zambia National Coordinator Mr Percy Chinyama hands over a Recognition of Outstanding Support and Partnership Award to Ambassador of the United States to Zambia, Mr. Michael C. Gonzales to the government of the United States of America for the unwavering commitment and invaluable support in advancing Zambia’s Healthcare system through the SmartCare initiative.
This was after the launch of the SmartCare in Lusaka today.
… Government introduces a New System that will Enhance Patient Data Management, Improve Service Quality, and Increase Efficiency in Healthcare Delivery”
By Francis Maingaila
Lusaka, Zambia24 – (14-08-2024) – The Zambian government, through its Electronic Government Division (SMART Zambia Institute), has introduced SMARTCare Pro, a system designed to revolutionize healthcare management by integrating advanced technology into patient data handling.
Percy Chinyama, National Coordinator of SMART Zambia Institute, highlighted that SMARTCare Pro represents a major advancement in modernizing public healthcare.
He stated, “SMARTCare Pro will streamline patient management and enhance efficiency in healthcare delivery, aiming to improve service quality nationwide.”
The new platform, an upgrade from the existing SMARTCare system, offers enhanced data security, a better user experience, and improved support for healthcare professionals.
Chinyama described SMARTCare Pro as a significant step in modernizing Zambia’s healthcare sector.
SMARTCare Pro features a centralized architecture, replacing traditional standalone databases with real-time data access for better decision-making. Integrated clinical guidelines also support healthcare providers in delivering optimal care.
The rollout has been successful, with SMARTCare Pro deployed in 400 sites across Zambia and plans to extend to 600 more.
Chinyama remarked that this achievement marks a crucial evolution in Zambia’s healthcare system, making it more resilient and efficient.
Dr. Elijah Julaki Muchima, Minister of Health, reiterated the government’s commitment to modernizing healthcare through innovation.
He praised the deployment of SMARTCare Pro at 400 sites and noted that there are plans to expand to 600 by the end of the year.
Dr. Muchima said, “This initiative is crucial for enhancing health information management and improving patient care.”
He acknowledged the collaboration between the Ministry of Health, the U.S. government, SMART Zambia Institute (SZI), and the private sector.
Despite the progress, Dr. Muchima pointed out challenges such as load shedding and stressed the need for sustainable energy solutions, including solar power, to ensure operational continuity.
The expansion of SMARTCare Pro also includes capacity building, with plans to integrate digital health training into tertiary education.
Dr. Muchima explained, “As we expand SMARTCare Pro, we must ensure our healthcare professionals are prepared for future challenges.”
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of collaboration for success and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to SMARTCare Pro’s long-term sustainability.
“The milestones we celebrate today lay the foundation for a healthier future for Zambia,” Dr. Muchima added.
U.S. Ambassador Michael Gonzales commended Zambia’s progress in healthcare digitization through the SmartCare system, a nearly two-decade collaboration between the Zambian and U.S. governments.
Speaking at the “Advancing SmartCare: Sustainability and Growth Celebration” at Ciela Resort in Lusaka, Gonzales emphasized, “SmartCare has played a critical role in transforming health services by providing real-time access to quality data.”
Gonzales highlighted that since its inception in 2005, SmartCare has evolved to address Zambia’s health challenges by enhancing service delivery at all levels of the health system.
Supported by more than $300 million in U.S. investments, SmartCare reflects a broader commitment to sustainable solutions rather than short-term fixes.
He remarked, “Through this partnership, we have developed a country-owned system that empowers healthcare providers and public health officials to make better decisions with timely and reliable data.”
He also pointed to the success of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has contributed over $6.7 billion to Zambia’s HIV response since 2004, strengthening health systems, saving lives, and preventing new infections.
Gonzales added that funding from the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act further supported Zambia’s health information systems, enabling advancements in cybersecurity, data governance, health informatics, and lab modernization.
The celebration marked a key milestone in the expansion of SmartCare Pro, now deployed in 406 health facilities across Lusaka, Copperbelt, and Southern provinces.
By September 2025, an additional 1,199 facilities will transition to SmartCare Pro, ensuring nationwide coverage.
Gonzales noted, “Originally developed for HIV care, SmartCare has since expanded to support a broad range of health services.
These efforts are geared towards long-term sustainability to strengthen Zambia’s health systems for the future.”
He commented on the impact of U.S. support, stating, “While you may not see our support in the form of highways or airports, it is embedded in the systems that improve healthcare delivery, provide essential medicines, and keep Zambians healthy.”
Gonzales praised the Zambian government’s leadership in exceeding U.S. targets for SmartCare’s expansion and affirmed that ongoing partnership will be crucial for Zambia’s future health success.
He concluded by highlighting that SmartCare aligns with Zambia’s National Digital Health Strategy for 2022-2026, positioning the country to leverage technology for improved healthcare delivery.