CS Duale extends deadline for health facilities to switch to SHA's digital system

The extension is intended to give facilities more time to comply with the directive as the government moves towards a fully digital and paperless health information system.

In a statement signed by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, the Ministry said the transition has progressed significantly across public, faith-based and private health facilities.

According to the Ministry, all 6,427 public Level 2 to 4 health facilities have successfully transitioned to HMIS.

Among public Level 5 facilities, four have completed the transition while 23 are at different stages of the process. The Ministry expects all public Level 5 facilities to complete the transition by October 30, 2026.

The government is also supporting 518 contracted faith-based health facilities with the installation and transition to HMIS.

So far, 38 faith-based facilities have completed the transition, with the remaining facilities expected to do so by October 30.

Kenyatta National Hospital and Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital are also expected to complete their transition by the end of next week, while the remaining Level 6 facilities are expected to complete the process by October 30.

The Ministry said private health facilities with existing HMIS platforms have also started certifying their systems in line with the Digital Health Act. So far, 28 existing HMIS platforms have been certified by the Digital Health Agency.

The certification is intended to promote standardisation and interoperability of health information systems while strengthening the quality and security of health data.

The Digital Health Agency will conduct Rapid Results Initiatives throughout October to provide technical support to private health facilities and accelerate the transition.

Further, the Ministry assured patients that the migration will not affect access to healthcare services.

"No patient will be denied access to healthcare services because a facility has not yet fully transitioned to HMIS," the statement read in part.

It added that patients will continue receiving services at all health facilities during the transition period.

The Ministry will on Friday, October 2, meet health sector associations to agree on a facility-by-facility transition plan, including outstanding requirements and timelines for completion.

"The Ministry appreciates the cooperation of all health sector stakeholders as the country advances towards a fully digital, standardised, interoperable and paperless health information system."