Malaysia to digitize health services with PERSADA initiative

Malaysia's Ministry of Health is set to roll out the PERSADA initiative, a national digital health ecosystem and connectivity driver, across 150 government hospitals and 2,488 public health facilities. This move aims to fortify clinical workflows, elevate operational efficiency, and ensure better continuity of patient care.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad announced that PERSADA will be implemented in two phases, concluding in 2028. This comprehensive modernization and interconnection effort involves a partnership with the Ministry of Communications. Key focuses include improving internet coverage and quality at public health facilities and strengthening the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system to support seamless patient treatment.

The initiative also seeks to expand telehealth services by integrating the Malaysia Virtual Health Assistant System (MyVAS) with the National Information Dissemination Center (NADI). Furthermore, it explores the use of drone technology for medical deliveries to remote areas. "PERSADA's implementation is expected to expedite treatment processes, shorten waiting times, enhance health information sharing, and broaden access to more efficient and integrated health services nationwide," Dzulkefly stated during the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony.

Dzulkefly highlighted the significant benefits for citizens, enabling individuals in rural areas to receive health advice without extensive travel, a testament to digital transformation. He also noted the advantage for doctors accessing patient records instantly for precise clinical decisions and for chronic patients receiving timely follow-up care through integrated health data. The Ministry of Communications has allocated RM650 million for PERSADA, with RM74 million earmarked for the first phase, funded by the Universal Service Provision Fund managed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).