Minister of Health Alex Katakwe says the digitalisation of records management systems is critical to improving efficiency, accountability and service delivery in Zambia’s health sector.
Speaking during the handover of e-Registry equipment by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to the Ministry of Health in Lusaka today, Dr Katakwe described the donation as a major milestone in Zambia’s journey towards building a fully digitalised, efficient and people-centred health system.
Dr Katakwe said the donated equipment, which includes computers, high-volume digital scanners and multifunctional printers, is expected to strengthen records management, improve document processing and enhance information accessibility within the ministry.
He stated that the government, under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, has placed digital transformation at the centre of national development and public service delivery, adding that the health sector remains one of the key beneficiaries of the country’s digital reform agenda.
“This occasion marks a long-awaited milestone in Zambia’s journey towards a fully digitalised, efficient and people-centred health system,” Dr Katakwe said.
The Minister explained that the Ministry of Health’s digital transformation agenda is anchored on the National Digital Health Strategy 2022–2026, which seeks to strengthen healthcare systems through technology and improve service delivery across the country.
He noted that the government has already made significant progress through the rollout of electronic health record systems such as Smart Care and PEPFAR Information Platforms, as well as the implementation of the Laboratory Information System and the Electronic Logistics Management Information System known as DELVIS.
“These are not small achievements.
They represent years of deliberate investment and collaborative effort by government, cooperating partners and dedicated health workers across the country,” he said.
Dr Katakwe stressed that digitalising registry operations is essential in addressing inefficiencies associated with paper-based systems, which he said have contributed to delayed processing of files, missing records and limited access to critical information.
“Data is the lifeblood of a functioning health system. Every document processed in our registry, every file retrieved for action and every decision made begins with reliable information management,” Dr Katakwe said.
He added that the newly acquired equipment will strengthen accountability, improve audit readiness and support faster retrieval of documents required for policy direction and decision-making at the highest levels of health governance.
Dr Katakwe further called on public workers to uphold professionalism, integrity and accountability in the management of records and public documents, warning against corruption and unethical conduct in public offices.
“With the equipment being handed over today, the era of missing records should become history. But technology alone is not enough. We must also change our mindset and work ethic,” he said.
Meanwhile, UNFPA Country Representative Seth Broekman said consultations conducted with various units within the Ministry of Health revealed critical weaknesses in the existing paper-based records management system, which has continued to affect document storage, retrieval and information flow.
He said the donated equipment will help convert physical records into searchable digital files and improve document indexing, storage and retrieval.
And Ministry of Health Assistant Director for Human Resources Goodson Kamanga thanked cooperating partners for supporting the ministry’s efforts to modernise records management systems and appealed for continued staff training to ensure officers effectively operate and maintain the equipment.
