The Ethiopian Ministry of Health and Ethio Telecom have agreed to digitally modernize the health sector.
Minister of Health, Dr. Mekdes Daba held extensive discussions with a delegation led by Ethio Telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamru, exploring areas of potential collaboration. Dr. Mekdes emphasized the Ministry's focus on digital health, its inclusion in health policy, and expressed gratitude for Ethio Telecom's existing digital services in the health sector.
She highlighted the use of telecom and digital infrastructure to deliver health education and accurate health information via social media, and noted the Ministry's work to support and legally regulate telehealth services. She also mentioned ongoing efforts to enable the payment of health services fees via Telebirr.
Frehiwot Tamru, CEO of Ethio Telecom, underscored the company's commitment to modernizing health institutions using digital technologies and improving service quality. She explained that Ethio Telecom has identified technological options to expand network and digital infrastructure based on the needs of health facilities.
The Ministry's statement indicates that the discussion resulted in a broad agreement on future collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Health and Ethio Telecom.