​Patients will no longer have to wait on long queues to get medication at the Paediatric Pharmacy at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH) as the rollout of the Integrated Patient Queue Management System (IPQMS) is in full swing. 
CMJAH is the second facility to implement this system, following the rollout at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital. Since the initial phase began at CMJAH on the 13th of November 2024, the system serviced 715 patients at the time of the launch on Wednesday, 27 November, demonstrating its potential to improve service delivery. 
The phased approach ensures that each section of the Pharmacy Department is gradually integrated into the new system to allow for smooth transitions and addressing any issues that may arise during the early phase before full implementation. 
Speaking at the launch, the Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, emphasised that this innovative system is a key step towards modernising public health system to improve patient experience and reduce waiting times in facilities across Gauteng. 
"Due to the growing population, our public healthcare facilities face challenges including extended waiting times due to long queues. These hinders our ability to respond to the high demand efficiently and can result in patient dissatisfaction as people grow tired of unreasonable waiting times. As we launch this Integrated Patient Queue Management System, we are responding to these pressing concerns that we have identified in our facilities," said MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.
The IPQMS aims to streamline the check-in process to ensure orderly service and improved efficiency. The system will provide accurate patient records, monitor service turnaround times and assist in effective staff allocation by identifying busy periods. Key features of the IPQMS include a user-friendly mobile App for booking appointments and a token management system through self-help kiosks. 
As part of the rollout, 13 kiosks will be installed throughout various departments at CMJAH to facilitate better patient flow management and reduce anxiety by providing transparency about wait times. 
Thandeka Sibanda expressed her satisfaction with the system when she went to collect medication for her son at the Paediatric Pharmacy. 
"I really like the new queue system because it is quicker and easy to use. The system sent an SMS immediately with a token number and it reduces the anxiety of not knowing how long you will have to wait until it's your turn", said Sibanda.
 The Gauteng Department of Health will incrementally roll out the system to other facilities during the 7th Administration's term of office as part of the commitment to modernise the healthcare system through eHealth initiatives.