The government is set to adopt digital clinics—virtual healthcare facilities that use digital technology to provide remote medical services—to tackle the country's shortage of medical personnel, according to the Ministry of Health (MoH). The ministry says the country needs to quadruple its number of healthcare workers to meet the World Health Organisation (WHO) standards. Dr. Menelas Nkeshimana, Head of the Department of Health Workforce Development at MoH, emphasized that digital clinics are a key component of the government’s long-term healthcare strategy. ALSO READ: Rwanda looks to quadruple healthcare workforce Nkeshimana highlighted that some countries, such as Saudi Arabia, have successfully implemented similar systems, allowing specialists to provide consultations across multiple hospitals without needing to relocate. “You can be a specialist in one facility and consult patients remotely in up to ten hospitals,” he explained. “The key is having the infrastructure to ensure real-time communication between patients and healthcare providers.” Initially, digital clinics will focus on remote consultations, but they are expected to expand access to specialist services in medical fields requiring expert knowledge. Rwandan hospitals will also be connected to advanced international medical centers, granting patients access to specialised treatments not available locally. ALSO READ: Govt tables bill allowing contraception for 15-year-olds “This initiative extends beyond the Ministry of Health and involves collaboration with agencies such as the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA) and the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC),” Nkeshimana added. Readiness and implementation Some health facilities across Rwanda are already equipped with the necessary digital infrastructure, thanks to accelerated digitization efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. “These facilities are ready to implement digital clinics once the regulatory framework is in place. There are plans to expand the system, particularly in regions with a shortage of healthcare workers,” Nkeshimana noted. ALSO READ: E-Ubuzima: New digital platform expected to reduce waiting time at hospitals The implementation of digital clinics awaits regulations under a draft healthcare law currently pending parliamentary approval. This law includes provisions to regulate digital health services, ensuring security, licensing, and confidentiality of patient data. Addressing the healthcare workforce gap During a recent parliamentary session, Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana reiterated the urgent need to address Rwanda’s shortage of healthcare workers. He noted that the WHO recommends four healthcare workers per 1,000 people, while Rwanda currently has only one per 1,000. Nsanzimana stressed that digital clinics offer a viable solution to bridge this gap by enabling specialists to consult and treat patients remotely. “With technology, a small number of healthcare workers in a given hospital can receive virtual support from specialists, allowing them to handle more patients effectively,” he said. He also emphasised the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing healthcare services. AI-powered tools can analyze medical images to detect diseases, significantly improving access to diagnostics in remote areas. ALSO READ: Govt scales up advanced healthcare training to meet growing demand Rwanda aims to become the fourth African country—after South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia—to meet WHO’s recommended healthcare worker ratio. However, the country still faces challenges stemming from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which resulted in the loss of 80 percent of its healthcare workforce, either through killings or legal repercussions. The Draft Law Regulating Healthcare Services outlines key provisions for digital health services. Article 63 mandates that providers of digital health services must obtain a license, while Article 64 underscores the importance of security and confidentiality, requiring strong encryption protocols to protect patient data. ALSO READ: FEATURED: Can Artificial Intelligence play a role in Rwanda’s healthcare? Digital clinics are part of broader efforts to integrate technology into Rwanda’s healthcare system. The initiative follows the introduction of platforms like E-Ubuzima, which allows patients to access medical records online, reducing wait times for consultations and medication.
