RM1 bilion untuk pendigitalan kesihatan perlu disokong infrastruktur, keselamatan siber

Yesterday, Malaysia's Health Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced a RM1 billion budget to boost the digital readiness of the public healthcare sector. The allocation, managed by the Communications and Multimedia Commission Malaysia (SKMM), will be used to implement Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and improve internet connectivity at 150 hospitals and over 2,000 public health clinics.

The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) welcomed the funding, emphasizing its importance in modernizing the public healthcare system and enabling more personalized health care delivery. The ministry states that the Kementerian Kesihatan (KKM) has not started from scratch in their efforts to implement digital transformation within the healthcare sector.

The MMA has noted that as of now, at least 15 million Malaysians have access to their health records, including prescription histories, through the MySejahtera digital platform.

Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo, MMA president, stressed that the RM1 billion investment cannot be viewed as just a technology funding project. The funding must include adequate infrastructure, interconnectivity, and support systems to ensure the smooth functioning of the EMR system. He stressed that cybersecurity, maintenance, future scaling, and adequate operational budgets must be planned from the beginning. “Ultimately, this is not merely an IT project. It is about connecting healthcare delivery to patients,” Rajoo said.

The MMA also highlighted the importance of involving doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers in managing this digital transformation, offering them appropriate training. The KKM's commitment of RM1 billion also needs a clear timeline for execution, measurable goals, efficient use of funds, and accountability for results.