WHAT WORKS: HEALTHNET UGANDA'S EVOLUTION
FROM NGO TO SUSTAINABLE ENTERPRISE

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Technology continues to be vital to the development of many African nations. The digital divide between industrial nations and the developing world represents an opportunity for many micro-enterprises to build sustainable models for profitability and growth. HealthNet Uganda (HNU), a project funded by SATELLIFE, a U.S.-based non-profit organization, was created in an effort to demonstrate the effectiveness of using personal digital assistants (PDAs) in healthcare in Africa. The project, now in its third year, is at a crossroads. HealthNet Uganda is transitioning from a grant-funded project to a self-sustaining non-profit organization. The new organization will be called Uganda Chartered HealthNet.

This report is an analysis of HealthNet Uganda’s business model, including a description of challenges HealthNet Uganda is likely to face and recommendations for how to forestall those challenges. The project conducted market and profitability analyses and identified potential clients. In addition, the underlying assumptions that define HNU’s business model—including the willingness and ability of consumers to spend a premium on HNU services, the effectiveness of the technology, and ongoing support of critical partners and constituents—were scrutinized and evaluated.

The use of information and communications technology (ICT) has had a significant impact on healthcare worldwide and Uganda will be no exception. In fact, the analysis shows that Uganda, and potentially other developing nations, have an urgent need for ICT in the delivery of healthcare. HealthNet Uganda’s services will be used by medical professionals, students, NGOs, and other individuals and institutions involved in the Ugandan health sector. All of HNU’s targeted users see the value in having readily available real-time access to information. The availability of information ensures accurate reporting and analysis of health data and provides doctors with the ultimate tool to care for patients. Health workers in remote parts of the country will now be able to consult with peers, access information from medical journals and order drugs and medical supplies in real time. This ability to share information could have far-reaching benefits for the health sector in Uganda.

The Ministry of Health in Uganda has enacted policies which demonstrate its commitment to the use of ICT in healthcare. Currently the Ministry uses technology in its Health Management Information System (HMIS) for telemedicine. However, there remains lingering concerns about the necessity, applicability, and affordability of PDAs. Policy implications of PDA adoption will have to be considered as a necessary part of HNU’s model.

As HealthNet Uganda transitions to a self-sustaining organization, the most obvious challenge is the scarcity of financial and human resources. With the support of stakeholders and partners, thorough strategic planning and analysis, and dedicated leadership, it is likely that HealthNet Uganda will not only succeed in its stated objectives, but will lead the way for further innovation in the delivery of services in the health sector in Uganda through the use of ICT.

Read the full case study