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The Directorate of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), is leading an initiative to digitise the Sierra Leone Nursing and Midwifery Council (SLNMC).
The project aims to replace outdated manual processes with a centralised digital database, improving efficiency, security, and regulatory oversight in the healthcare sector.
The new system aims to provide a modern solution for healthcare that will include key functions including: Indexing and Exams: Ensuring only qualified candidates take council exams, Registration & Licensing: Digital processes for certification and renewals, Verification System: Allowing employers to confirm nurse credentials worldwide, Data Security and Cloud Storage: Protecting records from loss or damage and Automated Reminders: Notifying nurses of license expirations.
Speaking on the impact of the project, Christiana B. Massally, Registrar of SLNMC, said, “For years, manual processes have hindered efficiency. This system will safeguard the credibility of our profession and improve service delivery.”
Experts said the project also aims to boost healthcare quality and accountability with the digitisation expected to enhance transparency and accountability in nurse and midwife certification, strengthen regulatory oversight for improved governance, improve efficiency by reducing paperwork and delays and ensure better healthcare delivery through reliable data management.
“Investing in digital healthcare solutions supports maternal and newborn health by ensuring a capable and well-regulated workforce,” Sibeso Mululuma, UNFPA Sierra Leone’s Officer-in-Charge, said highlighting the broader impact of the project,
DSTI’s Technical Director, Ibrahim Rashid Bayoh, noted that this system could be adapted for other professional regulatory bodies, further enhancing governance across various sectors.
DSTI has also developed PReSTrack, a digital tool for pregnancy registration and service tracking, now being rolled out nationwide. These initiatives reflect Sierra Leone’s commitment to leveraging technology for a more efficient and accountable healthcare system.
With Sierra Leone having a weak health system, this new development is believed to be a transformative step for the West African nation.
