How outdated technology is hurting Kenya's healthcare

From Left: Epson Regional Head for East and West Africa, Mukesh Bector, Astra Dental Clinic CEO Lucy Mutara and Aster Limited Sales Director, Peter Omondi interact with the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-C879RD3TWFC Color A3 Multifunction Printer during the launch of Epson's Health Research Study. [Kennedy Mureithi, Standard]

In Kenya, where healthcare facilities are stretched thin by staffing shortages and long waiting lists, a new report has spotlighted a surprising culprit behind further delays- inefficient printing technology. The study by global technology company Epson, which was unveiled in Nairobi on September 4, reveals that outdated printers are contributing to significant productivity losses in hospitals and clinics.

The research, which was conducted across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, surveyed 3,400 healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, who regularly face patients. The findings are stark- 79 per cent of Kenyan healthcare workers reported wasting substantial time due to inadequate printers, with nearly 95 per cent noting that these delays negatively impact key functions such as sharing information, updating patient records, and scheduling appointments.

The problem is not just one of lost time; it affects patient care directly. According to Mukesh Bector, Regional Head for East and West Africa at Epson, “Healthcare workers lose approximately five million working days each year due to inadequate printing technology. This inefficiency strains systems already facing significant challenges." He offered that addressing these technology gaps could lead to better patient outcomes.

The population surveyed expressed a strong demand for better solutions. The survey shows that 89 per cent of healthcare workers are calling for improved IT support to reduce wasted time, and 90 per cent of Kenyan respondents believe investing in more efficient printing technology, such as Epson’s Heat-Free inkjets, is essential. These advanced printers offer reliability with lower maintenance needs, providing a stark contrast to the frequent malfunctions of traditional laser printers.

The environmental footprint of outdated printers is also a significant concern for healthcare professionals. Around 80 per cent of the surveyed participants across the regions expressed personal worries about the sustainability of non-eco-friendly printers, while 75 per cent of Kenyan healthcare workers emphasized its importance to their organizations. Dr Lucy Mutara, CEO of Astradental Services Ltd in Nairobi, explained how her clinic has benefited from switching to Epson’s heat-free printers. “These printers help us reduce our carbon footprint by consuming less energy and reducing CO2 emissions,” she said. Her facility, which is 90 per cent solar-powered, aligns this practice with their commitment to sustainable energy under SDG goal 7.

Dr Mutara also shared that using Epson printers has proven to be both cost-effective and time-saving compared to the laser printers they previously used, which consumed more electricity. “Patient wait times in hospitals and clinics are the number one complaint in patient feedback," she noted. "Delays often come from waiting for referral forms, laboratory requests, admission forms, and prescriptions. In hospitals, one minute means a lot to patients and doctors."

James Osborne from Epson Europe urged healthcare leaders to take proactive measures. “It's crucial for healthcare leaders and IT managers to respond to these findings by upgrading their printing infrastructure to support better patient outcomes and operational efficiency,” he said.

According to the report, investing in efficient printing technology can make a substantial difference in both daily operations and patient care. By adopting more advanced printing technology, healthcare facilities can reduce downtime, streamline workflows, and allow staff to concentrate on their primary role of caring for patients.