The Malaysian Ministry of Health is contemplating a significant leap into the digital age by introducing electronic medical certificates and drug prescriptions. This initiative, part of a broader plan to digitalise the healthcare system, was discussed at a parliamentary briefing on July 16 according to CodeBlue.

Mahesh Appannan, the MOH’s director of digital health, highlighted the complexities involved, particularly the legal and regulatory challenges that must be tackled before this digital transition can become a reality.

Currently, individuals must visit healthcare facilities in person to obtain medical certificates. During the briefing, chaired by Health PSSC chairman Suhaizan Kaiat and attended by Health director-general Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan, Dr Mahesh underscored the need to rethink this approach.

The proposal for electronic medical certificates (e-MCs) signifies a step towards modernisation. However, Dr Mahesh pointed out that digital certificates would face challenges in being recognised legally or in workplaces without proper adjustments to existing regulations.

Electronic prescriptions and medical certificates are seen as the future of healthcare. As Dr Mahesh stated, “Everything is going ‘e’.” This shift aligns with Malaysia’s vision of fully digitalising public health and dental clinics by 2027. The Ministry has already implemented telemedicine platforms across 900 public health clinics nationwide, facilitating virtual consultations for follow-up care and prenatal appointments. Yet, as the digitalisation process accelerates, careful consideration of existing laws and guidelines remains crucial to avoid any missteps.

The Health PSSC’s nine-member committee has urged the MOH to review current legislation to safeguard patient data and ensure information security. Emphasising the importance of consent, they stressed that personal information should only be shared with an individual’s approval.

Dr Mahesh took the opportunity to highlight Malaysia’s success in digitalising health screenings and records for Hajj pilgrims. This initiative has not only gained international recognition from the World Health Organization but has also been adopted by countries like Indonesia and Oman. By 2024, Malaysian pilgrims could share their health records with healthcare facilities in Saudi Arabia, provided they consented.

This achievement has positioned Malaysia as a global benchmark in digital health initiatives. Dr Mahesh sees potential in applying similar strategies domestically to enhance interoperability between public and private sectors, contingent upon patient consent for sharing records.

In addition to these strides, the integration of MySejahtera as a “digital front door” for personal health records is another noteworthy development. Initially developed during the Covid-19 pandemic, this government health app retains 8.9 million active users and is being repurposed for various initiatives, including organ donation pledges, national health screenings, and appointment scheduling.

Health PSSC member Young Syefura Othman raised concerns about MySejahtera’s usage among those who had deleted or stopped using the app. Dr Mahesh acknowledged these communication gaps but emphasised the app’s modular capabilities, which allow it to be expanded without reinventing the wheel. During the pandemic, nearly 32 million people used MySejahtera. Dr Mahesh envisions repurposing it for numerous other modules and strengthening communication strategies to highlight its benefits.

The Health PSSC has recommended that the MOH enhance MySejahtera’s use by improving communication efforts and introducing new features to expand its functionality. Providing alternatives such as smart cards could also help those with limited digital literacy access healthcare services seamlessly.

As Malaysia navigates this digital transition in healthcare, the focus remains on aligning new technologies with existing legal frameworks while ensuring data security and patient consent are prioritised. These efforts aim to create a more efficient and accessible healthcare system that meets the needs of all Malaysians.