Rwanda’s Health Centres Benefit from Starlink Internet, Say Medics

Healthcare providers in Rwanda are praising the introduction of Starlink internet, which has significantly enhanced service delivery and streamlined administrative operations, including critical tasks such as financial management. Launched in February 2023, Starlink is operated by Starlink Services, LLC, a subsidiary of SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk. Its primary goal in Rwanda is to provide fast, reliable, and affordable internet to remote and underserved areas where connectivity has traditionally been poor or non-existent.

The Rwandan government, in collaboration with the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, initiated a pilot project in June 2023. The project installed Starlink internet in 40 health centers across various regions, including Rusizi, Rulindo, and Kigali. Just eight months after the installations, healthcare workers have reported significant improvements in their ability to deliver essential services to citizens, especially in areas that previously faced persistent connectivity challenges.

Jean Louis Muhirwa, a midwife at Buyoga Health Centre in Gicumbi District, shared that the center had struggled with inconsistent internet access before the introduction of Starlink. He recalled a time when internet connectivity was only available in the mornings, and even then, only a limited number of devices could connect, forcing staff to limit access by sharing passwords. This hampered their ability to deliver services effectively, particularly in emergencies or during high-demand periods. However, with the new Starlink system in place, the health center now enjoys consistent, fast internet access around the clock, allowing multiple devices to stay connected without issue. Muhirwa expressed how this improvement has directly contributed to better service delivery, allowing staff to be more efficient and responsive to patient needs.

Similarly, Elie Ahimana, head of Kinini Health Centre in Rulindo District, highlighted the transformative effect Starlink has had on the center’s day-to-day operations. He noted that the fast and reliable internet access has improved services across multiple departments, including reception, outpatient care, the pharmacy, maternity, and laboratory services. Ahimana emphasized that expanding this kind of digital connectivity to more health centers nationwide could significantly advance the country's goals for efficient resource use, paperless workflows, and overall healthcare quality improvement.

Immaculée Nyinawibambe, head of Kajevuba Health Centre in Ntarabana Sector, further elaborated on how Starlink has revolutionized their transition from paper-based records to digital systems. Before the introduction of Starlink, the center relied on manual processes, including handwritten lab results and paper documentation, which often led to delays in patient care. With reliable internet access now available, the health center has fully digitized its records and processes, reducing wait times and improving service efficiency. Patients no longer experience long delays for lab results or other services, and healthcare workers can access and update records in real-time, enhancing the overall quality of care.

In an earlier interview with *The New Times*, Yves Iradukunda, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, explained that the government's focus is on ensuring that health facilities in rural areas, especially those lacking access to fiber optic or other high-speed internet alternatives, are adequately connected. This effort is part of the government's broader strategy to ensure that all administrative institutions, particularly those in the healthcare sector, have access to reliable connectivity to support vital systems such as billing, patient record management, and other essential services.

Iradukunda emphasized the importance of reliable internet in the health sector, not just for improving healthcare delivery but also for facilitating research, quality improvement, and better resource management. He pointed out that the Starlink project aligns with Rwanda's national vision of transforming its public services through digital innovation, creating more efficient and accessible healthcare for all citizens, particularly those in remote areas.

This pilot initiative with Starlink represents a crucial step in Rwanda's efforts to bridge the digital divide and improve healthcare service delivery in rural and underserved regions. By providing fast and reliable internet, healthcare providers can now leverage digital tools and systems that enhance their capacity to serve their communities, contributing to improved health outcomes across the country. The success of this project has spurred calls for its expansion to more health centers, as Rwanda continues to strive towards its goal of universal connectivity and the integration of technology into public services.

As Starlink continues to demonstrate its impact, the potential for similar projects in other sectors becomes more apparent. The government and its partners are optimistic that further investments in digital infrastructure will continue to yield positive results, not only in healthcare but across various industries that stand to benefit from improved connectivity. The introduction of technologies like Starlink could play a pivotal role in Rwanda's ongoing development, empowering communities and enhancing service delivery nationwide.