Minister Manaouda Malachie witnesses firsthand how TPP’s SystmOne electronic medical record system functions.

Cameroon is finalising plans to roll out an electronic medical record (EMR) system that would serve an estimated 28.7 million individuals across the country.

SystmOne, a centrally hosted clinical software developed by UK-based health technology business The Phoenix Partnership (TPP), would be used to build up the EMR system.

The EMR is part of Cameroon's 2020-2024 National Digital Health Strategic Plan, which intends, among other things, to ensure a sustainable, safe, and efficient flow of data within the health information system and to upgrade the health information system's ICT infrastructure.

The plan will cost around $19 million (approximately 11.3 billion francs CFA), with approximately $7.2 million committed to apps and services.

On the request of TPP, Cameroon's Minister of Public Health, Manaouda Malachie, met in London last week with e-health specialists involved in the creation and deployment of the country's EMR system.

Malachie visited health institutions where TPP's SystmOne technology is being deployed to familiarise himself with the offers, essential software solution, and network infrastructure for the ultimate countrywide implementation of Cameroon's EMR system.

Cameroon has completed the preliminary stages of its EMR project, including, among other things, a feasibility study, and harmonisation of data collection tools.

The EMR has also being trialled in approximately 50 health facilities, including the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital and the Yaounde University Teaching Hospital.

“This new system will be a game changer in our country’s health sector. It will help reduce the number of medical errors in our hospitals due to lack of information about patients' medical history by healthcare personnel,” Malachie said.