Zambia Explores Starlink to Boost SmartCare Pro and Expand Digital Health Access

Zambia is advancing its digital health transformation with the rollout of the SmartCare Pro Electronic Health Record system, a move described as a major milestone in aligning the country’s healthcare system with global standards. Speaking during a courtesy call in Chipata, Heartson Mabeta, Member of Parliament for Kankoyo Constituency and Vice-Chairperson of the Parliamentary Health Committee, said the initiative will ensure citizens—including those in remote areas—can access efficient and modern medical services. He emphasized that comprehensive digital health records are now essential for improving patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.

Mabeta is part of a high-level delegation comprising officials from the SMART Zambia Institute, IHM Southern Africa, and the Ministry of Health. The delegation is currently conducting site visits in Eastern Province as part of a nationwide assessment aimed at transitioning the SmartCare Pro system to full government ownership, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Providing further insight, Miriam Musama, Assistant Director of ICT at the Ministry of Health, explained that the Eastern Province visit is part of a broader evaluation covering selected regions representing about 50 percent of the national footprint. She noted that the assessment is focusing on key areas such as infrastructure maintenance, staff retention and competency, system connectivity, and governance frameworks needed for a successful transition.

Musama highlighted that significant progress has already been made under the programme, including deployment of SmartCare Pro to over 2,000 health facilities and the training of more than 30,000 healthcare workers across the country. Previous assessment visits have also been conducted in North-Western and Copperbelt provinces, further strengthening the foundation for a sustainable digital health system.

The ongoing assessment is also exploring innovative connectivity solutions to support healthcare delivery in underserved areas. Among the options being considered is the deployment of satellite-based internet solutions to enhance connectivity and expand the Government Wide Area Network, ensuring that remote communities are not left behind in the digital health transition.

Meanwhile, Eastern Province Provincial Health Director, Mathews Ngambi, noted that the region has 440 health facilities, with 250 already transitioned to the SmartCare Pro system. He said the platform has improved service delivery, enhanced patient care, and reduced turnaround times in facilities where it has been implemented, adding that Zambia is keeping pace with global healthcare innovations.

Findings from the Eastern Province assessment will contribute to a national sustainability roadmap, including detailed site reports outlining capability transfer requirements, budget considerations, and governance structures. The initiative is expected to reinforce Zambia’s leadership in digital health innovation while strengthening its commitment to delivering improved healthcare outcomes nationwide.