Liquid Telecom signed a deal that will see Aga Khan Hospital Mombasa use telemedicine over its high-speed fibre network connecting the main hospital in Mombasa to seven of its outreach centres.
The roll-out includes online consultations and diagnostic services. The hospital’s initiative comes at a time when Kenya is facing a shortage of healthcare specialists especially in dermatology (skin diseases and complications) and Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) diseases.
“Liquid Telecom Kenya has been able to offer both the high-speed internet connectivity and software to enable uninterrupted two-way audio-visual and data communication in a delivery that aligns exactly with our vision of driving digital transformation across Africa,” said Adil Youssefi, CEO of Liquid Telecom Kenya.
“We have installed digital stethoscopes and multi-purpose scope equipment for examining a patients’ vitals. With these, specialists will be able to see in real time, say, the condition of the skin, and other vital readings, then offer consultancy and diagnostics,” said Sultana Shermana, Interim CEO of Aga Khan Hospital Mombasa.
The hospital has invested in a state-of-the-art cardiac catheterisation laboratory that is first in the coast province for diagnosis of heart conditions and a 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine and runs a digital HMIS – managing inpatient and outpatient records, lab results and diagnosis – that is now accessible across all of its clinics and main hospitals.
The telemedicine services focus on family medicine, obstetrician-gynaecologist, ear, nose and throat as well as dermatology for Ukunda, Kilifi and Voi clinics being given priority, benefitting a total of up to 200 patients a day. The other outreach clinics are Nyali, Changamwe, Mtwapa, and Bamburi Mwisho.
