Development of an e-Health System for Improving Health-Care Access in Developing Countries

Healthcare access in most developing countries is significantly challenged due to high population densities with limited health care facilities, most of which suffer operational inefficiencies resulting from manual processes. Affordability issues also force a number of patients to self-medicate or avoid medical attention all together, leading to avoidable mortalities. The COVID pandemic has imposed a significant level of challenge to health care access, especially in developing countries – where scarce health systems are overwhelmed; thus, exacerbating the access challenges faced by the poor and other vulnerable members of the society. The COVID pandemic also presents an opportunity for utilization of information technology in enhancing access to health care services and support, especially considering the high level of penetration of mobile technology in most developing countries. Our study adopts a phased approach to the development of an integrated system that would enhance patient record management, appointments and other operations management, pharmaceutical access, community insurance and social support.