The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has urged the government to include university and military hospitals in the national electronic medical records system.
MMA president Dr R Thirunavukarasu welcomed the RM1 billion allocation for improving the EMR system and connectivity across public healthcare facilities, but said the next key step would be linking up parts of the system that are still operating separately.
“Patients move across these systems, and their health information should be able to follow them safely,” he said in a statement.
Thirunavukarasu said some 50 private hospitals and more than 3,000 private general practitioners are already connected through the Malaysia Digital Health Certification Network, which allows health information to be shared among participating facilities.
He said MMA was working with the health ministry to bring more general practitioners into the network and strengthen links between public and private healthcare providers.
However, he said, the RM1 billion should not be spent on software alone, as many public healthcare facilities were ageing and would need better computers, internet connections and other supporting equipment.
He said the government must also plan for cybersecurity, maintenance and future upgrades to ensure the system continues to work reliably.
Doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers must also be properly trained, he said, adding that the new technology should make their work easier rather than add to their paperwork.
Thirunavukarasu also called for a clear rollout timeline, specific targets, and details on how the RM1 billion will be spent.
He said the investment should make it easier for patients to receive care across different parts of the healthcare system, rather than remain just an IT project.
