KTRN partners with Babyl to power digital healthcare during the pandemic

KTRN, Rwanda's only 4G LTE wholesaler company, has joined Babyl Rwanda in its efforts to expand digital healthcare across the country through the #ConnectRwanda Initiative.

Mark Karomba, Chief Corporate Relations & HR Officer at KTRN and the Medical Director at Babyl, Dr. Patrick Singa at the launch of KTRN& Babyl Partnership & handover of smartphones.

KTRN has donated 500 smartphones to Babyl; 350 Smartphones to Health Centers that partner with Babyl, and 150 smartphones to Babyl Health Center Agents.

“KTRN, being a pioneer in the latest LTE technologies in Rwanda, is always looking for ways of championing technology-based solutions to Rwandan challenges. It is a priority & an opportunity to participate in empowering the Rwandan health sector, especially in telemedicine.

With the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak, we felt responsible for facilitating Rwandans in accessing the health care services using digital technologies, benefiting from the Nation-wide 4G LTE network coverage.” said DAEHEAK Aaron AN, Chief Executive Officer at Korea Telecom Rwanda Networks (KTRN).

Donating 4G-enabled smartphones is also in line with the Government’s #ConnectRwanda initiative aimed at increasing smartphone penetration in Rwanda. In partnership with Babyl Rwanda, KTRN is embarking on promoting digital health care as a way to deliver primary and safe care to Rwandans. Embracing digital health care will enable many of the medical services to continue operating regularly and without interruption in the course of this pandemic while minimizing the spread of COVID-19.

Babyl enables health centers across Rwanda to triage patients and connects them to clinicians via digital consultations.

The donated smartphones will support Babyl’s project allowing health care workers and Babyl agents from various Health centers across the country to better serve the population.

“KTRN donation is contributing to the Government vision of digitization of health centers by providing suitable devices enabling patients to connect with a Babyl doctor or nurse over the phone. This solution is aiming at reducing the demand for health center staff. We remain committed to accelerating Rwanda’s digital health agenda in partnership with the Government of Rwanda and KTRN in playing a key role in helping us achieve our mission.” said Shivon Byamukama, Managing Director at Babyl Rwanda

By accessing doctors over the phones for primary medical care reduces the burden of the physical health facilities and the medical staff will have time freed-up for patients with the most urgent and complex issue.