U.S. Tech Company Vonage Bets on Digital Health Care in Uganda

Ahval News Six May 1, 2020

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FILE PHOTO: A patient rests on a bed in a hospital in Uganda's capital Kampala as a doctors strike enters its second day in Uganda, November 7, 2017. REUTERS/James Akena/File Photo: Reuters

This narrative has been refiled to corrects date
(Reporting by Elias Biryabarema; Tracking by Kirsten Donovan)

The electronic”tele-health” platform is anticipated to offer users faster access to higher-quality health care.
A field team carry out medical procedures that are necessary and helps delivers medication to patients.
Patient profiles on the platform will capture and save biodata and medical histories.

Uganda doesn’t have health insurance and the vast majority of patients need to meet with health care bills. That means those who don’t have the cash simply steer clear of hospitals if they fall ill. KAMPALA (Reuters) – U.S. cloud solutions company Vonage is partnering with social enterprise CTI Africa to pioneer video-linked healthcare in Uganda, where good hospitals and qualified medical personnel are rare.

Owing to countless neglect, under-funding and corruption under President Yoweri Museveni, the African nation’s health care system often experiences a shortage of drugs, although there are shortages of diagnostic equipment particularly in public facilities. “The majority of Ugandans don’t have accurate and thoroughly maintained health records that encourage medical personnel using a beginning point in the event of ailments or illness,” Okiria explained. “This enables patients to speak right to the doctors sitting in a practice and describe any suspicious symptoms. . .with the information supplied, doctors can diagnose patients and prescribe the appropriate treatment.” So far three health insurance suppliers have embraced the digital wellness platform of CTI Africa . CTI Africa concentrates on deploying digital technologies to improve efficiency and productivity in sectors like energy, health and agriculture. The head of LifeHealth program of CTI Africa, jude Okiria, told Reuters that patients would have the ability to get in touch with personnel via video or voice calls.

“As the demand for virtual and remote healthcare increases, especially during these tough times, we’re proud that Vonage’s video technology is helping make health care available to people who need it ,” Vonage said in a statement.