EMR system launched to enhance access to healthcare services

The first roll-out phase of the e-Impilo Electronic Medical Record(EMR) system, which will be implemented in public health facilities across the country, was launched by the National Department of Health alongside Mpumalanga MEC for Health, Sasekani Manzini, at the Public Works Building in Middleburg(Steve Tshwete Local Municipality-Nkangala District) on Thursday 30 January 2025.

According to a statement by the Mpumalanga Department of Health, the launch marks a new era in healthcare record-keeping, ensuring that patient records are kept safe in computers, easily accessible, while reducing the risk of loss or damage.

The system will reportedly guarantee real-time access to patients’ information across facilities, ensuring accuracy and reducing risks. In addition, the Department said the system will connect all facilities, to ensure that the files of patients are recognised with the patient’s history of healthcare, whether they visit various facilities.

The Department believes that the system will furthermore reduce medical errors, making sure that the prescription of medication is safer and more reliable.

Manzini said the EMR system is a game changer in the public health system as it will ensure that there is one coordination, as well as assisting in the screening of patients, in preparation for the introduction of the NHI(National Health Insurance).

“ We are going to have a system that will make sure that each every South African knows their medical record, to speed up treatment. It won’t matter where you are, your medical record will be in one system so that you can be treated in a manner that you don’t have to go and get all the tests needed, because it also adds the element of NHFS. It links primary health care and all different levels at our hospitals in the country,” said Manzini.

According to the Department, the model has been designed to ensure continuous improvement, alignment with local needs, and structured capacity-building at each phase of the system. The EMR will be rolled out in 7 facilities within Nkangala District, while facilities in other parts of the province will be covered after the National Department has finished conducting workshops and training, which are currently running.

“ We are positive that the system will assist the Department to solve a lot of challenges related to lifestyle diseases and other medical records of patients,” said Manzini.

The MEC attended a practical demonstration of how the system operates at the Civic Clinic in Middleburg, which is said to be the 7th facility that has already started registering patients on the system.