Question NW3709 to the Minister of Health
16 November 2023 - NW3709
Dlamini, Mr SM to ask the Minister of Health
(a) How is his department ensuring that all rural healthcare institutions and areas where the Health Patient Registration Number System has been piloted have access to the necessary infrastructure suitable for the implementation of digital health technologies and (b) what are the long-term plans to support the specified healthcare institutions to ensure that they maintain digital health systems, as digitising the medical records of patients is a critical success factor for the National Health Insurance?
Reply:
a) The facilities are supported by providing Computer Hardware, printers, and barcode scanners. The use of the HPRS is monitored on a weekly basis. A team of roving IT Technicians are providing HPRS implementation support at PHC facilities in 8 of the 9 Provinces.
b) The National Department of Health Digital Health unit continue to work with provincial teams to ensure sustainability on the use of the HPRS. The national department of health is working with the Department of Communication and Digital Technology through the SA Connect project for the provision of appropriate broadband connectivity at Health Facilities over the next 3 years.
END.