Zanzibar Revolutionizes Healthcare with Innovative Digital Patient Card System
Zanzibar has transformed healthcare accessibility through a groundbreaking digital patient identification system that is changing how medical services are delivered across the archipelago.
The new “Kadi ya Matibabu” (Medical Card) has digitized patient records for 93% of Zanzibar’s population, eliminating the traditional paper-based medical record system. This innovative approach allows instant access to comprehensive patient medical histories, streamlining healthcare delivery and improving overall patient experience.
At Chumbuni District Hospital, patients like Juma Hamisi, 51, now experience seamless medical consultations. By presenting the digital card, patients’ complete medical records are instantly retrieved, reducing wait times and eliminating the need to recall complex medical histories.
The digital system provides multiple benefits:
– Instant access to patient medical records
– Elimination of redundant medical tests
– Comprehensive healthcare tracking
– Improved referral systems across healthcare facilities
Recently honored with the WSIS Prizes 2025 Award in the e-Health category, the initiative represents a significant leap towards Universal Health Coverage. The system integrates district, regional, and primary healthcare facilities, creating a unified digital health ecosystem.
Ministry officials highlight the system’s broader impact, including improved disease trend tracking, more effective health service planning, and enhanced budget management. Community Health Workers are now working to register the remaining unregistered population, with plans to include private health facilities in the digital network.
This digital transformation marks a critical milestone in Zanzibar’s healthcare modernization, promising more efficient, accessible, and patient-centered medical services.
