Gabon opts for Gemalto

 

Gabon’s health and social security agency Caisse Nationale d’Assurance Maladie et de Garantie Sociale (CNAMGS) has selected Gemalto as prime contractor for its eHealth card programme.

Gemalto is supplying cards, its Allynis Issuance operated personalisation services and an ID verification system. The smart card giant is working in cooperation with Stimplus and Zetes, which are sub-contractors for the enrolment solution.

A spokesperson for the firm told SDW: “A pilot project aimed at the most disadvantaged citizens is currently running in the capital, Libreville, as well as the major cities of eight provinces, before being extended to the entire population over 2009-2010. During the pilot phase 9,000 cards will be issued.”

Gemalto says the initiative demonstrates the government’s determination to extend health services to all citizens and carry out a swift modernisation of the health insurance system.

The new health cards can be used in hospitals, pharmacies and health centres to check patient entitlement while ensuring personal data remains confidential. They carry the beneficiary’s identification number, civil status information, photograph and fingerprints.  All citizens aged six and over will be issued with a card, with those aged under six being linked to their mother’s card.

Gemalto says the Sealys Laser-Secured card is made of polycarbonate, a material that offers a very high level of security and capable of withstanding extreme climate conditions. Secure laser personalisation within the body of the card itself ensures data cannot be altered or accidentally damaged.

“Although validity is not yet specified, the minimum validity is five years,” said the company’s spokesperson.