Project Objective
The Laboratory Information System (LIS) Hardware Project aimed to support the digitization of hospital laboratories across Lesotho to improve patient care by reducing test result turnaround time and ensuring reliable electronic record-keeping. The initiative was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health and its sponsor, the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL), covering the period 2011–2014.
Key Goals
- Digitize laboratory operations in Government and CHAL hospitals.
- Improve patient turnaround time for test results.
- Enable electronic record maintenance for better tracking and continuity of care.
- Build IT capacity among laboratory personnel.
- Ensure ongoing technical support and minimal downtime post-implementation.
Brief
The project involved the implementation of IT infrastructure across eighteen (18) hospitals in all ten districts of Lesotho, providing the necessary hardware environment for the Laboratory Information System (LIS).
CBS was responsible for:
Supplying and installing the required computer hardware
Ensuring infrastructure readiness (networking, power, system access)
Delivering basic computer literacy training to hospital personnel
Providing ongoing support services to maintain uptime and reliability
The infrastructure supports digital lab result processing, storage, and sharing, significantly enhancing service delivery in both urban and rural healthcare facilities.
Delivered Components
- Desktop computers, monitors, UPS systems
- Networking and power infrastructure for each hospital
- Local server support
- Build IT capacity among laboratory personnel.
- Basic computer skills training modules
Methodology
The project followed a phased rollout strategy across multiple sites with close coordination between CBS, the Ministry of Health, and APHL.
Key Phases
Site Assessment & Planning: Evaluate lab needs and infrastructure readiness
Hardware Deployment: Install and configure hardware across 18 hospitals
Training Delivery: Conduct on-site training on computer basics
System Go-Live: Support LIS deployment and ensure operational readiness
Ongoing Support: Monitor and address hardware/infrastructure issues to minimize downtime
Outcomes
Digitized laboratory operations in all ten districts of Lesotho
Improved turnaround time for patient lab results
Strengthened digital health infrastructure in public and CHAL hospitals
Continuous post-implementation support ensuring system stability and uptime