Padang Besar:Perlis The pilot Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system introduced under the PERSADA initiative has significantly reduced patient waiting times at health facilities in Perlis, according to Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Communications Minister reported that over the past four months, more than 86 percent of patients were able to see a doctor in less than 60 minutes, with 62.8 percent doing so in under 30 minutes. This system has benefited over 200,000 patients in the state. Fahmi shared that he received feedback on the system and suggested improvements for its security and ease of use by Health Ministry staff during a visit to the Padang Besar Health Clinic.
The implementation of the EMR system allows doctors to access patients' medical records digitally, eliminating the need for manual retrieval. Fahmi noted that the records are stored securely in the cloud, simplifying doctors' tasks and reducing wait times.
Plans are in place to extend the system to other states, but factors such as internet connectivity, requiring at least 100 Mbps, will be assessed to ensure efficient deployment. Cross-ministerial efforts between the Communications Ministry and the Health Ministry, facilitated by MCMC, aim to enhance service delivery and digital integration.
Additionally, MCMC has integrated telehealth services through 17 National Information Dissemination Centres (NADI) in Perlis, offering local residents access to health screenings and other services without needing to visit a health clinic. Fahmi emphasized the intention to strengthen collaboration between NADI centres and health facilities nationwide to improve patient access to treatment.