​Aobakwe Selebogo

Recently, the Gauteng Legislature Portfolio committee on Health embarked on an oversight visit to Mamelodi Regional hospital in Tshwane and various health facilities to assess the progress,efficiency and status of the health information system (HIS ) upgrade.
The Health Information System is part of the eHealth records system designed to manage healthcare data which includes collection, storage, management and transmitting of  patient’s electronic medical record.
Addressing the Committee on the progress, the hospital CEO, Dr Naing Soe said the hospital’s HIS custodians have already completed the system’s requirements workshops which are crucial in ensuring the proper understanding of HIS and the benefits of digitizing patient records.
“The Health Information System Champions and super-users of Mamelodi Regional hospital have participated in workshops and have also given inputs towards the development of the system”, said Dr Soe.
“Although the schedule for the planned hospital implementation and deployment of HIS has fallen off due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, I am  eagerly waiting for the new schedule to be communicated as the new system promises to bring remarkable and positive change and  improve data sharing,” elaborated the delighted CEO.
“From the consultations and workshops attended, it is clear that Health information systems are critical for a strong health system. The proper implementation of HIS will improve disease surveillance, facilitate the strategic use of information, manage patients and programs. In addition, it will increase service quality through more efficient and effective interactions”, concluded Dr Soe.