Implementome logo

Digitalization of emergency ambulance services for remote areas

Origin language: English
Cover image
Target population
Health professional / health structure , +2
Beneficiaries1000001 - 5M
EvidenceBoth
Start date2024/04
End date2026/04
StageRoutine project/operational
Country
Kyrgyzstan
Coverage
Regional
Nb of implementation sites
3
Lead organization
Implementation partners

Health Focus Area
Emergencies
Services
Emergency preparedness and response
Electronic medical record
Enabling technologies
Internet of Things
Phone
Software
Standards
Mobile access to medical records
ICD-10
JSON
Tools
Funding sources
Donors
Business model
No business model
Funders
Summary
The project aims to digitize and enhance emergency care systems for ambulance services in Osh, Jalal-Abad and Batken, shifting from paper-based workflows to a fully automated, interoperable system. This transformation will improve the way emergency calls are handled, leading to better dispatching, monitoring, and analysis of services, particularly in remote areas. Frontline staff will benefit from reduced administrative tasks, real-time tracking of ambulances, improved coordination, and standardized documentation, while managers and health authorities will have access to live dashboards and analytical tools to enhance service quality and performance monitoring. The initiative is set to improve response times and access to life-saving services for residents in Osh, Jalal-Abad and Batken. The project is designed to be replicable and sustainable, utilizing adapted open-source software, building local IT capacity, and providing comprehensive training for dispatchers, doctors, and paramedics. It aims to create a scalable digital ambulance model that can be implemented nationwide, positioning the Ministry of Health for broader digital transformation in emergency healthcare across Kyrgyzstan. Key activities include equipping ambulance stations with digital infrastructure, establishing manuals and protocols, and ensuring reliable service delivery in challenging locations. Target beneficiaries include the general population as well as health professionals and structures.
Keywords
Access to care
Access to technology
Capacity building
Data driven emergency response
Digital health solutions
Publications
Digitalisation of ambulance service streamlines emergency care in Kyrgyzstan
Insights - Lessons learnt
Challenges
Resistance to change and adaptation of staff: At the initial stage, part of the medical and dispatch staff demonstrated resistance to transitioning from paper-based processes to digital systems. This was mainly due to limited prior exposure to digital tools, concerns about increased workload, and fear of making mistakes in a live emergency environment. Digital skills gaps: Significant differences in digital literacy levels among dispatchers, doctors, and paramedics required additional time and tailored training approaches, particularly for aging staff. Technical and infrastructure constraints: Unstable internet connectivity, power outages, and limited IT specialist and infrastructure in remote areas affected system availability during early stages of implementation. High operational pressure during implementation: Ambulance services operate 24/7 under constant pressure. Implementing and testing a new system without disrupting emergency services required phased roll out, parallel use of paper systems, and extended on job support. Regulatory and coordination complexity: The project required alignment with national health regulations, data protection requirements, and internal Ministry of Health procedures, which influenced the pace of approval and commissioning.
Recommendations
Best practices identified. Phased implementation combining pilot, on job training, and gradual transition to full operation. Positive experience from the Osh pilot, which built trust among stakeholders and reduced institutional resistance in Jalal-Abad and Batken. Use of open-source and locally adaptable software to reduce costs and increase sustainability. Embedding digital tools into existing clinical and dispatch protocols rather than introducing parallel processes. Recommendations and implications - Integrate digital ambulance systems into national emergency care regulations and standards. Establish mandatory digital reporting requirements to ensure consistent system use. Use the documented implementation model to scale the system to other regions. Strengthen local IT capacity for long-term maintenance and system upgrades. Allocate dedicated budget lines within the Ministry of Health for system operation and expansion.
Recommendations
Projects using similar services
Projects focusing on similar topics
Projects with similar insights
Any additional questions?
iDHA (Project ID)
6qz3no
Project links
N/A
Origin of information
Project stakeholder
Data source link
N/A
Added to the platform on
2026-01-20
Project editors
Last update by
Albina Salbaeva on 2026-01-20
Number of views
118
WHO classifications
WHO LogoGeneva Digital Health Hub Logo