Smart healthcare (SH) uses a new generation of information technology (IT) such as the internet of things (IoT), cloud computing, big data and artificial intelligence (AI), making smart healthcare efficient, convenient and personalized. In the rural areas, patients are not being monitored regularly and properly due to the shortage of doctors, nurses and other healthcare personnel. These among other issues require SH adoption which is a key to enriching the living standard in rural areas. However, why the low level of adoption of this technology in the rural areas of developing nations remains a research challenge. Hence, this study investigates the reason for the low adoption of SH in the rural area, using Libode township as a case study. Data were collected from 50 participants through a structured interview. The data collected was analysed using a statistical package. This research found that despite the fact that the majority of the people in the rural area are not satisfied with the current healthcare service delivery, they are still using it because they are not aware of other options. A low level of awareness and poor connectivity problems are the two major reasons why there is still a low level of adoption of SH in the rural areas, despite this technological advantages. The study recommends among other things that the healthcare departments raise awareness of smart healthcare benefits among rural area people to help sensitize them.

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