Garissa Referral Hospital embraces digital future to transform healthcare
The transition, which is undergoing, promises to enhance patient experiences and streamline medical services in one of the region’s busiest public hospitals.
Garissa County Teaching & Referral Hospital has embraced technology and is going fully digital and paperless health facility.
The move is aimed at improving healthcare access and efficiency in northeastern Kenya.
The transition, which is undergoing, promises to enhance patient experiences and streamline medical services in one of the region’s busiest public hospitals.
The new digital system will replace traditional paper records with a centralized, encrypted database, allowing real-time access to patient information.
The shift is expected to reduce wait times, eliminate errors from misplaced files, and improve coordination between departments.
Patients will benefit from digital prescriptions, automated appointment reminders via SMS, and faster registration processes.
Amina Hussein, a visitor to the hospital and a local resident, said the change is a welcome relief.
"Before, I spent hours waiting because of paperwork," she said.
"Now, with everything digital, I can see the doctor faster and focus on getting better. This is a big win for us in Garissa."
The initiative, supported by the Garissa County Government, aligns with Kenya’s broader push for e-health solutions.
Hospital CEO Mahat Sheikh Salah described the transition as a pivotal moment on Saturday.
"This is about more than technology—it’s about transforming lives by making healthcare faster, safer, and more reliable," he said on Saturday.
The system’s rollout includes comprehensive staff training to ensure a smooth transition.
Nurses and doctors are learning to navigate the digital platform, with IT support teams on hand to address challenges.
"Garissa Referral Hospital is setting a precedent for what public healthcare can achieve," he said.
"This digital leap will improve lives and inspire other facilities across Kenya."
The hospital aims to completely transition, with plans to integrate its system with other county health facilities for seamless referrals.
It will pave the way for a regional network of connected healthcare services, a first for northeastern Kenya.
Technology is transforming healthcare, improving patient outcomes, streamlining operations, and expanding access to services even in remote regions like northeastern Kenya.
From digital record systems to telemedicine and AI-assisted diagnosis, health facilities across the country are beginning to embrace tools that are changing how care is delivered.
