This archive report was first published on 18 November 2021.
On November 18, 2021, the M-Pesa foundation and Gertrude's Hospital Foundation announced the launch of 'Daktari Smart', a telemedicine program aimed at improving access to specialist care for children in rural and underserved areas.
The program will target over 32,000 children in Homabay, Samburu, Lamu, and Samburu counties, with two additional counties to be brought on board in the next phase.
What is 'Daktari Smart'? ¶
'Daktari Smart' is a telemedicine kit that includes electronic medical devices such as an electronic stethoscope, vital signs monitor, derma scope camera, ultrasound machine, otoscope, and electrocardiogram (ECG).
Unlike conventional video conferencing kits, 'Daktari Smart' allows healthcare workers at local partner health facilities to place electronic medical devices on patients, enabling specialists to see and hear patients in real-time without interpretation.
The bandwidth requirement for the equipment is low, ranging from 512Kbps to 2Mbps, making it suitable for rural and underserved areas without fibre connectivity.
The program will also provide training for over 300 health workers and 360 social workers and community health volunteers in the local community.
The M-PESA Foundation has committed over KES 168 million towards the initiative, while Gertrude's Hospital Foundation will invest over KES 35 million in the next 3 years.
According to the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board, the doctor-to-patient ratio currently stands at one doctor for every 6,355 people, leading to difficulties in accessing qualified medical professionals.
Statements from Gertrude and M-Pesa Foundation ¶
“Daktari Smart aims to address delays in receiving adequate healthcare in rural and underserved areas through telemedicine,” said Michael Joseph, Chairman, M-PESA Foundation.
“Our mission as Gertrude's Hospital Foundation is to transform communities by improving access to quality healthcare services to needy and disadvantaged children in the country,” said Les Baillie, the Chairman of Gertrude's Hospital Foundation.
