Kenya’s Healthcare Sector Leaders Advocate Connectivity to Enhance Patient Outcomes and Reduce Costs

M-Tiba, a healthcare application, is advocating for the government to embrace further technological innovations, such as artificial intelligence (AI), within the medical sector. Their suggestion is aimed at leveraging these advancements to improve connectivity and ultimately reduce the costs associated with healthcare services. By integrating AI into healthcare systems, the government can potentially streamline processes, enhance diagnosis and treatment, and provide more efficient and accessible care to citizens. This push for technological integration underscores the growing recognition of the transformative potential of digital solutions in addressing healthcare challenges and improving overall health outcomes.

In a recent statement, M-Tiba expressed optimism about the potential benefits of leveraging technological advancements, particularly in the healthcare sector. By integrating these innovations, such as artificial intelligence, M-Tiba believes that healthcare facilities and insurers can implement smarter processes, improve efficiency, and elevate the overall customer experience. This optimistic outlook reflects the belief that embracing digital solutions can lead to significant improvements in healthcare delivery, ultimately benefiting both healthcare providers and patients alike.

M-Tiba’s Managing Director, Pieter Prickaerts, emphasized that technological advancements in the healthcare sector are poised to bring multiple benefits. Beyond enhancing transparency in health coverage, these advancements are expected to contribute to increased uptake of insurance. This perspective underscores the potential of technology to not only streamline processes but also to drive broader societal changes, such as greater access to essential healthcare services through improved insurance mechanisms.

Pieter Prickaerts expressed confidence in the potential to substantially boost insurance uptake, currently at a mere 3%, through collaborative efforts leveraging existing technology, innovation, and capabilities. He highlighted the benefits of such collaboration, emphasizing that real-time customer feedback and data insights facilitated by technological advancements enable insurance companies to better serve their customers. This, in turn, translates into improved access to healthcare for individuals, underscoring the transformative impact of technology in the healthcare and insurance sectors.

Catherine Bosire, the managing director of Wingspan consultancy, pointed out that the healthcare sector in the country faces a shortage of expertise in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). To address this gap, she suggested that partnerships with specialists in the AI field would be beneficial. Collaborating with experts could provide the necessary knowledge and support to implement AI solutions effectively in the healthcare sector, thereby enhancing its capabilities and efficiency.

Kanyenje Gakombe, the CEO of Metropolitan Hospital, emphasized that improved connectivity within the healthcare sector would lead to more effective solutions, simplify the healthcare journey for individuals, and unlock opportunities to benefit patients. Enhanced connectivity can streamline processes, facilitate better communication among stakeholders, and ultimately improve the overall healthcare experience for patients. Gakombe highlighted the importance of leveraging technological advancements to achieve these goals and enhance the delivery of healthcare services.

Kanyenje Gakombe emphasized the power of collaboration in unlocking greater potential within the healthcare sector. By working together, stakeholders can simplify the healthcare journey, deliver solutions more efficiently, and leverage a more connected network of data and technology. This collaborative approach allows all involved parties to unlock opportunities to benefit patients without duplicating efforts independently. Gakombe highlighted the importance of collective efforts in driving innovation and improving healthcare outcomes for individuals.