MMA calls for clear timeline, accountability for RM1bil EMR investment

The Malaysian Medical Association president, Datuk Dr R. Thirunavukarasu, has called for a clear timeline, measurable milestones, and accountability measures for the RM1 billion allocation towards Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and connectivity in public healthcare facilities. While welcoming the allocation, Dr Thirunavukarasu emphasized its importance in modernising the public healthcare system and enabling better connected care.

The Health Ministry has made significant progress in recent years, with digital clinics increasing four-fold over the last three years. The One Person, One Record initiative has already provided health information, including prescription records, to at least 15 million Malaysians through MySejahtera. With the RM1 billion commitment, there should be a clear implementation timeline, measurable milestones, transparency on fund utilisation, and accountability for outcomes, according to Dr Thirunavukarasu, who discussed the initiatives in the New Straits Times.

These achievements reflect the ongoing efforts by teams driving the Health Ministry's digital health transformation despite existing resource constraints. Dr Thirunavukarasu stressed that the new allocation must build upon the existing capability and accelerate what is already being delivered, addressing hardware, connectivity, supporting infrastructure, cybersecurity, maintenance, future upgrades, and adequate recurrent funding.

Change management is also critical, with healthcare workers needing proper engagement, training, and system integration to enhance workflow and patient care without creating additional administrative burden.