Millions of refugees from the four Dadaab’s camps will have access to dedicated healthcare including consultations, diagnostics, and treatment over the internet, thanks to Liquid Telcom Kenya partnership with Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital.
Previously, refugees in those remote semi-arid areas had challenges accessing healthcare specialists.
“Liquid Telecom’s high-speed network is now facilitating cost-effective delivery of specialized healthcare services to one of the world’s largest refugee camp which has traditionally been inhibited by the absence of specialists in the remote semi-arid area,” said Liquid Telecom East Africa Chief Executive Officer Adil El-Youssefi.
“We are especially excited as this not only brings essential healthcare to the most disadvantaged communities, and it supports the government’s commitment to providing universal healthcare – one of Kenya’s Big four policy agenda items.”
The refugees have started using the services with the hospital recording 56 patients within a short period.
“When we get a call from Dadaab requesting time and input from our specialists, the ICT department notifies the relevant doctor and then schedules a virtual consultation using video conferencing equipment across Liquid Telecom’s network,” said Peter Kanda, Head of Information Services, Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital.
The hospital has further partnered with Interdist Alliance of the CIC in a bid to have equipment’s able to diagnose and transmit patient’s data via online from their Mombasa, Sekenani (Narok County) and Kibera branches.
“The hospital was also invited to attend and address the Health Innovation Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. This is a great achievement for us and a clear demonstration that Kenya can provide a solution to common global challenges such as in health,” said Kanda.
Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital’s innovation in telemedicine saw them win the CIO 2017 award.
