Kenya's Health Ministry has reassured the public that patients will not be denied medical services as the country transitions to a fully digital Health Management Information System (HMIS). The ministry is moving from the Provider Portal to a new digital HMIS across public, faith-based, and private healthcare facilities. This move aims to create a standardized, interoperable, and paperless health information system.
According to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, all 6,427 public health facilities at Levels 2 to 4 have completed the HMIS transition. This milestone marks significant progress in the government's plan for a paperless health information system. The transition is also underway in public Level 5 hospitals, with four fully transitioned and 23 others at various stages of completion.
The Ministry is supporting 518 contracted faith-based facilities in their transition to the new HMIS. So far, 38 faith-based facilities have completed the migration, and the rest are expected to finish by October 30, 2026. The ministry is working to ensure that all facilities, including those at Levels 5 and 6, complete the transition by the set deadline.
Kenyatta National Hospital and Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital are expected to complete the transition by the end of next week. Other national facilities are targeted for completion by October 30. The Digital Health Agency has certified 28 private facility HMIS platforms to improve interoperability and data security under the Digital Health Act.
To accelerate private-sector uptake, the Digital Health Agency will run Rapid Results Initiatives throughout October. These initiatives will offer technical assistance and a one-month extension for full compliance. The agency is working closely with private facilities to ensure a smooth transition to the new HMIS.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale emphasized that no patient will be denied treatment because a facility has not yet completed the HMIS migration. He urged lagging facilities to seek support from the Digital Health Agency to ensure uninterrupted patient care. The ministry is committed to ensuring that patients continue to receive care without interruption during the transition period.
The migration to the new HMIS aims to create a standardized, interoperable, and paperless health information system. The Ministry says this will improve healthcare delivery and ensure continuous patient access to care. With the transition underway, patients can expect to benefit from a more efficient and effective healthcare system.
Key points
- The Kenyan Health Ministry ensures uninterrupted patient care during the transition to a digital Health Management Information System.
- All 6,427 public health facilities at Levels 2 to 4 have completed the HMIS transition.
- The Digital Health Agency will run Rapid Results Initiatives to accelerate private-sector uptake of the new HMIS.
