Windhoek: The Ministry of Health and Social Services launched its first National Digital Health Policy on Friday, introducing a 10-year framework that aims to revolutionize Namibia's healthcare system through technological advancements to enhance service delivery and patient care.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Esperance Luvindao, emphasized during the launch in Windhoek that the National Digital Health Policy 2026-2036 is designed to steer the country toward a digitally enabled and people-centered health system. Luvindao highlighted the policy as a significant achievement for the ministry, targeting challenges such as fragmented health information systems, administrative inefficiencies, and limited access to quality healthcare, especially in rural regions.

The policy proposes the establishment of a secure and interoperable digital health ecosystem, which includes electronic health records, telemedicine services, and the integration of artificial intelligence to enhance health outcomes. Luvindao stated that the initiative aligns with global and continental strategies, such as the World Health Organisation's Global Strategy on Digital Health, the United Nations Global Digital Compact, and the African Union's Digital Transformation Strategy.

The minister outlined six key objectives within the policy: strengthening governance and accountability, building integrated digital health infrastructure, developing a digitally skilled health workforce, promoting innovation and partnerships, enhancing equitable access to healthcare services, and ensuring sustainable financing. The digital transformation is expected to reduce congestion at health facilities by enabling online consultations and improving access to patient records, while also minimizing the loss of medical information associated with paper-based systems.

Luvindao further noted that the policy serves as a foundation for the development of a Digital Health Bill, aimed at regulating the use of technology in healthcare and protecting patient data. She called upon stakeholders, healthcare workers, and development partners to support the policy's implementation, describing it as the starting point for Namibia's digital health transformation.