KAMPALA, Uganda — Artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionize Africa’s healthcare by bridging the gap between patients and doctors, experts concluded at the 4th Annual Smart Summit, hosted in Uganda’s capital city.

The two-day summit brought together over 500 industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators from 12 countries to address Africa’s pressing healthcare challenges.

Uganda’s healthcare system faces significant challenges, including a severe shortage of medical professionals. Currently, the doctor-patient ratio stands at approximately 1:25,000, and the nurse-patient ratio is 1:11,000. These ratios fall far below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended doctor-patient ratio of 1:1,000.

“The transformative impact of AI on healthcare cannot be overstated,” said Judy Mugoya, Country Manager of Smart Applications Uganda. “By leveraging AI, we can simplify processes, improve patient outcomes, and make healthcare more accessible.”

AI-powered solutions can help address Africa’s healthcare challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to healthcare services, and inefficient data systems.

“AI can help doctors diagnose diseases more accurately and quickly,” said Harrison Muiru, Group Managing Director of Smart Applications International. “It can also help patients access medical services remotely, reducing the need for physical visits.”

According to Smart Applications International’s data, the company facilitated 5.79 million client interactions and moved KSh 53.7 billion through its platforms in 2024. The company’s network includes 6,170 healthcare facilities and impacted over 1 million lives across Eastern Africa. Patient visits increased by 8.51% in 2024, with 2.27 million visits recorded.

Regional growth varied, with Somaliland reporting a 43.48% increase in healthcare claims and Kenya seeing a 13.98% rise in claim value. Rwanda experienced 19.17% growth in claims, while Uganda and South Sudan saw declines of 12.45% and 24.38%, respectively.

Experts emphasized collaboration and digital transformation to address Africa’s healthcare challenges.

“Partnerships are crucial in developing and implementing AI-powered solutions,” said Isaiah Mosiori, Group Chief Operations Officer.

The summit underscored the need for sustainable, scalable digital solutions to improve healthcare outcomes