In Kenya, the healthcare system is already under immense pressure due to shortages of staff, insufficient medications, and lengthy patient wait times. Compounding these challenges are technological inefficiencies that further hinder the sector’s performance.
A recent report from the global technology firm Epson highlights how outdated printing equipment is leading to considerable productivity setbacks in hospitals and clinics. This research, which spanned Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, involved a survey of 3,400 healthcare professionals, including physicians and nurses who engage directly with patients.
The results revealed that a staggering 79% of healthcare workers in Kenya reported significant time wasted due to inefficient printers, with almost 95% indicating that these delays adversely affect critical operations such as information sharing, updating medical records, and scheduling appointments.
This issue transcends mere time loss; it has a direct impact on patient care. According to Mukesh Bector, Epson’s Regional Head for East and West Africa, “Healthcare workers collectively lose around five million workdays each year because of inadequate printing solutions. This inefficiency further burdens a system already grappling with serious challenges.” He emphasized that bridging these technological gaps could enhance patient outcomes significantly.
The respondents of the survey demonstrated a significant demand for enhanced solutions in the healthcare sector. Findings revealed that 89% of healthcare professionals are advocating for improved IT support to minimize inefficiencies, while 90% of participants from Kenya believe in the necessity of investing in more advanced printing technology.
Additionally, the environmental impact of obsolete printers has become a critical concern among healthcare workers. Approximately 80% of the surveyed individuals across various regions expressed their own apprehensions regarding the sustainability of non-eco-friendly printing devices, and 75% of healthcare practitioners in Kenya underscored its significance for their institutions.
Dr. Lucy Mutara, CEO of Astradental Services Ltd based in Nairobi, shared insights on how her clinic has embraced modern printing solutions that are energy-efficient and capable of lowering CO2 emissions. “Patient wait times in hospitals and clinics consistently rank as the primary complaint in patient feedback,” she remarked. “Many of these delays stem from awaiting referral forms, laboratory requests, admission paperwork, and prescriptions. In a hospital setting, every minute is crucial for both patients and doctors.”
James Osborne from Epson Europe strongly encouraged healthcare leaders to take decisive action. “It’s essential for those in leadership roles and IT management in healthcare to address these insights by upgrading their printing systems. Improving this infrastructure is vital for enhancing patient outcomes and operational effectiveness,” he stated.
The report further suggests that investing in efficient printing technologies could significantly transform daily operations and patient care. By integrating advanced printing systems, healthcare facilities can reduce downtime, optimize workflows, and enable staff to focus more on their primary responsibility: delivering quality patient care.
