Sponsored by the City of Cape Town, the prestigious award recognising public sector institutions that have implemented impactful digital solutions to improve service delivery and citizen experience were held in Cape Town on Wednesday (15/5).

The Free State health department earned the accolade for its implementation of the Electronic Medical Record system for primary health care, a transformative digital health solution designed to strengthen patient care, continuity of care, accountability, and operational efficiency across the province.

The achievement marks another milestone in the province’s ambitious digital health transformation journey, which formally began in 2023 with the launch of the department’s e-health strategy. It was unveiled at the Free State School of Nursing in Bloemfontein by then Premier Mxolisi Dukwana, former health MEC Mathabo Leeto, and senior government officials.

During the launch, Free State health spokesperson Mondli Mvambi said the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the urgent need for technological innovation in healthcare systems. It “taught us that technology is inevitable as part of the continuous improvement of the provision of health-quality services”.

The department introduced a range of technological interventions, including electronic health records, telemedicine solutions, automation of paper-based processes, and mobile health applications.

Mvambi added some of the technologies introduced, such as assisted reality medico-legal surveillance systems, were already being used in countries like Germany, making the Free State possibly the first South African province to adopt such systems. The technology would enable medical specialists to provide guidance remotely to junior doctors and healthcare professionals, particularly in underserved areas.

Free State head of department Ernest Mohlahlo praised healthcare workers, ICT professionals, and partners for driving the successful implementation of the EMR system. “This recognition belongs to the clinicians, nurses, managers, ICT professionals, and support teams who turned vision into daily practice.

“The EMR is already reducing duplication, improving continuity across levels of care, and enhancing operational efficiency. Our next phase will deepen training, change management, connectivity, cybersecurity, and interoperability so that measurable improvements in access, quality, and patient experience are felt in every facility. We are committed to disciplined execution and transparent performance monitoring.”

Health MEC Monyatso Mahlatsi described the award as a sign of the province’s determination to improve healthcare outcomes through innovation. “This award is more than a trophy; it is a clear signal that the Free State is serious about taking health to a higher trajectory of performance outcomes.

“By digitising primary healthcare, we are making care safer, faster, and more accountable for every patient. We will intensify the rollout, strengthen data-driven decision-making, and ensure that digital innovation translates into real improvements at the point of care.”

The department also acknowledged the contributions of several stakeholders and partners, including the Information, Knowledge Management and Research Directorate, the ICT Directorate, facility managers, clinicians, nurses, and operational teams across the province, the national department of health’s Digital Health Unit, and the CSIR for its ongoing technical support and partnership.

“The department will continue to scale and optimise the EMR to ensure continuity of care, better referral management, improved medication and records management, and strengthened accountability through timely, reliable data,” Mvambi said.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm

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