The cornerstone of any resilient health system is strong Primary Health Care. It is the first and most critical point of contact for the majority of the population’s health needs. Recognizing this, SFH Rwanda moved beyond traditional models to develop the Second-Generation Health Post (SGHP).
The SGHP model launched in Bugesera District in 2019 and has since expanded to other regions. Unlike traditional health posts, SGHPs offer expanded services including diagnostic labs, pharmacies, maternity care, and chronic disease management. They are fully run by trained nurse entrepreneurs and designed to serve entire sectors within walking distance.
Key features of the SGHP model include:
- Expanded Service Delivery: SGHPs offer an integrated suite of services previously unavailable at the cell level, including maternity and delivery wards, diagnostic laboratories, full-service pharmacies, and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
- Proximity and Accessibility: Strategically located, these posts are designed to serve entire administrative sectors, placing essential health services within walking distance for millions of rural citizens.
A Deep Dive into Digital Transformation
Digital innovation is central to powering health system strengthening.
The BlueRoom
In partnership with SAND Technologies, we are digitizing these SGHPs, equipping them with EMR platforms, laptops, tablets, and Starlink internet for seamless data flow which feeds into the Blue Room—a centralized Health Intelligence Center operational since around 2022.
The Blue Room is powered with Artificial Intelligence for real-time monitoring, data-driven decision making, predictive analytics, emergency dispatch, and resource allocation such as identifying optimal facility locations and tracking hard-to-reach areas ultimately optimizing rural care.
This has led to faster diagnoses, fewer unnecessary referrals, and more empowered health workers on the ground.
For us, the future of rural healthcare is hybrid: grounded in community but powered by technology.