Kenya-based mobile network operator Safaricom has forayed into the healthcare space with the launch of its Afya Moja programme, a mobile health records system. Safaricom, which is one of the largest telcos in Africa, offers simple mobile-based digital health passports through its Afya Moja programme.
Safaricom has started testing Afya Moja with Nakuru County. The partnership between Safaricom and Nakaru County will see the product improve healthcare services of more than 100,000 people through an integrated electronic medical records system. According to media reports, Safaricom will soon pilot test the programme in Soin-Mogotio Sub County Hospital, Kiptangwany Health Centre, Mirugi Kariuki Sub County Hospital and Gilgil Health Centre.
Steve Chege, the chief of Corporate Affairs at Safaricom said that the telco aims to make patient medical records portable by focusing on diabetic patients during the early stages before slowly progressing to chronic patients.
Safaricom recently became the first operator in East Africa to launch commercial 5G services in Kenya. Trials were carried out in Nairobi, Kisumu, Kissi and Kakamega. Safaricom plans to expand its trials to nearly 150 cities in the next 12 months.
It was reported that Safaricom is partnering with Nokia and Huawei to roll out its 5G services in Kenya. During a press conference, Safaricoms said, “Safaricom will be the first operator in East Africa to launch 5G services and will be showcasing the capabilities of the network with the aid of Huawei and Nokia’s technologies.”