Zanzibar's health sector is moving from paper files to electronic records and connected systems. The technology behind the scenes decides whether that change works on a busy ward.
From paper to digital
At the Zanzibar Digital Health Conference in March 2026, the Ministry of Health's first conference on digital health, President Dr Hussein Mwinyi said in a speech delivered on his behalf by the acting Health Minister that moving from paper records to digital platforms has shortened waiting times, improved medical accuracy and given managers real-time data to decide where medicines, equipment and staff are needed. He said health workers now spend less time on paperwork and more time with patients.
The Ministry of Health also described the challenge: at one point Zanzibar had more than 42 separate digital systems that could not communicate with each other. The goal now is interoperable systems, a unified patient identification system and fully digital hospitals.
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The Ministry publishes news and services on its website.
New hospitals need digital foundations
Zanzibar has built district hospitals across the islands and is building more regional and referral facilities. Every new building is a chance to build digital infrastructure in from the start, which is much cheaper than retrofitting it later.
What a digital hospital depends on
- A reliable network: structured cabling, managed switches and Wi-Fi coverage on every ward, so tablets and terminals work at the bedside.
- Power protection: UPS units and generators, so systems survive power cuts.
- Backup and recovery: patient records must be backed up and restorable.
- Security: individual accounts, limited access and audit logs. Health data is sensitive personal data under the Personal Data Protection Act.
- Integration: laboratory, pharmacy, billing and records systems that share data instead of re-typing it.
Systems on the ward
Digital records are only part of the picture. Wards also depend on:
- Nurse call systems so patients can reach staff quickly, with calls logged and response times visible.
- Public address systems for announcements and emergencies.
- Fire alarm systems suitable for buildings with patients who cannot move quickly.
- CCTV and access control for pharmacies, stores and entrances.
Start with a plan
Before buying equipment, map the patient journey and the information each step needs. Then design the network, power and security around it, and train staff before go-live.
How Extrion can help
Extrion designs and installs networks, nurse call, PA, fire alarm and security systems for clinics and hospitals in Zanzibar and Tanzania, and helps integrate the systems that run on them. See our network infrastructure service or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What did President Mwinyi say about digital health?
In a speech at the Zanzibar Digital Health Conference in March 2026, delivered on his behalf, he said electronic records have reduced waiting times, improved medical accuracy and helped direct medicines, equipment and staff using real-time data.
What infrastructure does a digital hospital need?
Reliable cabling and Wi-Fi, power protection, backups, secure accounts and integration between clinical systems, plus ward systems such as nurse call, PA and fire alarms.
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