Senegal has sought support from the World Bank to digitize its healthcare system. However, without a legal framework, these advancements could end up harming the very people they aim to help.

Senegal is taking a significant step toward modernizing its healthcare system with a new bill aimed at regulating e-health services. The announcement was made by Ibrahima Khaliloulah Dia, coordinator of the Digital Health Unit at the Ministry of Health and Social Action, during a panel hosted by the National Academy of Sciences and Techniques on January 22.

“Digital health has become a top priority in Senegal. The new leadership is committed to digitizing the administration, including healthcare. We’ve started rolling out services for the public with a platform called DPUP (Shared Patient Record System), an integrated hospital information system currently being tested at Abass Ndao Hospital in Dakar and Kaffrine Hospital,” Dia explained.

This initiative is part of the National Program for Digitalizing the Health System (PDSS), backed by a CFA27.6 billion ($43.8 million) grant from the World Bank. The program’s goal is to enhance healthcare quality, improve access to medical services, and strengthen health governance through digital tools.

However, the transition is not without challenges. Ensuring data privacy, expanding internet access, and achieving equal coverage of digital health technology—especially in rural areas—remain significant obstacles. Additionally, healthcare professionals will need training to effectively use these new tools.