The Healthcare Innovation Summit Africa 2018 kicked off at the Gallagher Convention Centre on October 17, 2018 with its 4th successful year running.
Each year, healthcare and technology influencers gather for two days of networking, lively intellectual exchange and exploration to see what’s new, what’s cutting edge and what will shape the future of healthcare on the continent.
With “Paving the road to Sustainable Smart Healthcare” as the running theme for the summit, HISA 2018 uncovered emerging technology trends in healthcare such as AI, IoT and wearables, electronic health records, medical practice management solutions, healthcare data security and privacy, telemedicine, predictive analytics and much more. The event also looked at the impact that these technologies have on hospital operations and healthcare delivery.
This year, the Free State MEC of Health, honourable Monstheng Tsiu was in attendance and delivered a keynote speech. Tsiu highlighted the importance of incorporating technology within the healthcare sector.
The department of health in South Africa has adopted the National Health Insurance strategy to promote universal health coverage. The strategy is aimed at improving the quality of health provision by the state.
Tsiu said, “Innovations in healthcare sector are a must, informed by the challenges faced about in an attempt to create a health system that is responsive to the needs of the country and its people.”
“It is noticeable and impressive effort taken by the organisers of this summit happening in Africa for the fourth time in a row, the angle that you took in transforming the industry in both private and public sector under one roof must be applauded, she added”.
“This summit is paving the road to sustainable smart healthcare, it brings about hope to Africa. We can see that public and private sector have found each other in seeking common innovative means to tackle the healthcare challenges”, she said.
“Engagements should continue in the view of making healthcare accessible to affordable to all people, added the MEC.
Medical doctor and conference host, Dr Michael Mol gave insights on a telemedicine story in South Africa. Mol unpacked the importance and need of using telecommunications as a priority tool in the delivery of healthcare as well as enhancing the knowledge of those working in the medical field.
During his keynote address, Andre Raynes Director of IM & T and CIO at Royal Papworth Hospital said, “Digital transformation is a must-do for every organisations wanting to take advantage of the many benefits of new technology to provide the best patient care. Technology plays a vital role in ensuring that health professionals have quick access to the information they need to make decisions, helping them to provide the right care to patients at the right time and in the right place,”.
By Neo Sesinye and Fundiswe Maseko
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