The digital transformation of healthcare is well under way. From AI-powered diagnostics to electronic health records (EHRs), new technologies are changing the ways in which South Africans experience care. At the heart of this shift is the South African Medical Association (SAMA), under the leadership of CEO Dr Mzulungile Theo Nodikida.

“We recognised early on that we wanted to take the lead in integrating AI into healthcare,” says Dr Nodikida. “Last year, we hosted our first roundtable on AI in healthcare, bringing together global and local experts, including the American Medical Association and South Africa’s Ministry of Science and Technology.”

The outcome? A mandate for SAMA to drive clinical and ethical leadership in how technology is introduced and governed. “It’s not just about efficiency,” he says. “It’s about improving quality of care and doing so responsibly.”

A cornerstone of this vision is the implementation of a universal electronic health record that would give all South Africans access to their medical data, wherever they are. “It’s critical for continuity of care,” Dr Nodikida explains. “Whether you’re in the private or public sector, a single click can potentially allow a practitioner to access the right information. It is a powerful tool that will improve patient care and enhance the role of medical practitioner – and it is one I have seen work successfully overseas. Taiwan has implemented this solution already and seen remarkable results.”