Health workers to adopt digital services to strengthen performance

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Uganda’s health workers must embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and digital services to enhance performance and improve patient care.

Speaking ahead of the launch of the first-ever National Allied Health Professionals Day, scheduled for October 14 in Lira City, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Allied Health Professionals Council (AHPC), Prof. John Charles Okiria, has said digital health technologies are no longer optional but essential tools in modern medical practice.

“Artificial intelligence has come to stay. Currently, you probably will not be able to see a doctor in person every time. We are now integrating aspects of digital health into the training curriculum to empower both current and future professionals to work effectively in a technology-driven health environment,” said Prof. Okiria.

The remarks were made during a press briefing to announce the launch of Uganda’s first-ever Allied Health Professionals Day, which will be celebrated under the theme “Strong Together for Quality Health Care.”

He explained that the Council, in collaboration with training institutions, is revising the national curricula to include digital health competencies, ensuring that health workers are equipped with modern diagnostic and service delivery skills.

“This curricular development will help professionals acquire the competences and skills needed to provide efficient, technology-supported care,” he added.

Prof. Okiria said the adoption of digital services will also enhance patient engagement and access to healthcare. He noted that patients today are more informed and actively involved in managing their health, thanks to internet access and mobile technology.

“Patients are no longer ignorant like they used to be. As you are caring for a patient, the patient is also searching on the internet about their condition and the medicines prescribed,” he observed.

He said the rise of telemedicine and online consultations now enables patients to receive professional medical advice remotely.

“Through digital platforms, patients can upload information about their condition and receive feedback from clinicians anywhere in the world,” he said, adding that this innovation is key to bridging the gap between healthcare workers and patients in hard-to-reach areas.

The event, organised by the Allied Health Professionals Council under the Ministry of Health, will recognise the contribution of the often-overlooked cadre of professionals who form the backbone of Uganda’s healthcare system.

Prof. Okiria said many Ugandans are unaware of the wide range of allied health professionals who deliver critical services daily.

“The public often thinks of only doctors and nurses, but there are over 40 cadres of allied health professionals such as clinical officers, laboratory technologists, radiographers, dental officers, physiotherapists whose services Ugandans depend on every day,” he said.

He explained that the AHPC is one of four statutory health councils in Uganda, alongside the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council, the Medical and Dental Practitioners Council, and the Pharmacy Board.

According to Nyamutale Peter, the Registrar of the AHPC, Uganda currently has 55,727 registered allied health professionals serving in both public and private facilities across the country.

“We regulate 42 cadres of professionals, from clinical medicine and orthopaedics to laboratory technology, radiography, and physiotherapy. These professionals are the invisible hands that keep our health system functional,” Nyamutale said.

The Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, will preside over the celebrations in Lira City, where the Council will also commission a new regional office to strengthen regulatory services in northern Uganda.