Kigali – The Government of Rwanda and Nexleaf Analytics have entered into a partnership to enhance healthcare delivery through a digitally-enabled, real-time equipment management system. This partnership will support the Government’s initiative to transform healthcare equipment management in Rwanda, and help lay the groundwork for a data-rich, AI-ready health system in hospitals and healthcare facilities.
The integrated and interoperable approach will include real-time data visibility, health worker and biomedical technician skill development, process redesign, and responsive funding to catalyze maintenance.
Through this partnership, the Government of Rwanda and Nexleaf will leverage real-time sensor data to inform health workers when lifesaving equipment fails, and co-develop rapid response and repair playbooks to implement the management practices, coordination and accountability across the country to ensure lifesaving equipment works. This will reinforce the high level of system-wide capacity Rwanda has already achieved by developing Biomedical Engineers as essential members of the health workforce.
Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana welcomed the partnership as a key driver of Rwanda’s Rwanda’s health sector transformation. “This collaboration with Nexleaf is part of the government’s broader strategy to improve medical equipment management nationwide. Real-time data is crucial for proactively procuring the right life-saving medical equipment, and maintaining them. By deploying a holistic solution that integrates government-driven systems, resourcing for maintenance, and interoperable data sources, we are strengthening our culture of data-driven decision-making” Minister Dr. Nsanzimana said.
Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire also highlighted the importance of technology in finding lasting solutions to existing health challenges. “Our work is not just about delivering infrastructure; we must ensure that infrastructure translates actual outcomes for patient care. We are pleased to support this partnership with Nexleaf Analytics to strengthen the management of life-saving equipment in a way that is both sustainable for Rwanda and can be replicated to other countries.” Minister Paula Ingabire said.
A core component of this partnership is supporting Rwanda’s existing healthcare systems to ensure their sustainability. Data will be seamlessly integrated into the Ministry’s existing equipment management platform, MEMMS, ensuring government ownership and accessibility. Nexleaf will work to enhance MEMMS with real-time data capabilities, ensuring a cohesive and functional system.
Nithya Ramanathan, CEO and Co-Founder of Nexleaf, commended Rwanda’s commitment to harnessing health technology. “Rwanda is a global leader in investing in smart technology solutions that drive large-scale quality and impact for patient care. We are eager to partner on this groundbreaking work to equip health workers with the technology, data skills, and funding mechanisms they need to mobilize resources rapidly – as soon as equipment failure is detected – to maintain the infrastructure that underpins the health system.”
As envisioned, the solution will not only support Rwanda’s Ministry of Health in transforming management of lifesaving medical equipment and infrastructure, but also generate real-time map of the health system infrastructure that could inform climate innovations, such as early-warning heat systems and targeted investments in renewable energy. The partners are committed to creating a robust data foundation that accelerates government innovation in these areas. Further, the partnership aims to make these tools and methodologies available to other health systems pursuing holistic digital transformation.