PodChat for FutureCIO: Hurdles to the digitalisation of healthcare

Picking from the lessons learned during the COVID pandemic, the Singapore government is undertaking what it describes as a long-term healthcare reform describing the process as a pivotal phase of its transformation journey.

The reform will see the government invest in information technology "focusing on mission-critical national systems for hospital billing, drug ordering and dispensation, and the maintenance of national medical databases."

The success of this reform will require collaboration across different health providers and access to patient data is a crucial component. 

In today's PodChats for FutureCIO, we are joined by Leonardo Hutabarat, head of solutions engineering for APJ at LogRhythm, to talk about the opportunities and challenges governments, private organisations, healthcare providers and the public will face in the digitalisation of healthcare. 

1.       Healthcare reform, as in the case of Singapore, will entail the sharing of patient data between healthcare providers – both public and private. What challenges must the system overcome in this undertaking?

2.       What are some factors that will be crucial to the success of such an initiative? Can you cite any learnings from other governments that have implemented something similar?

3.       What needs to be done to build a robust data ecosystem and build citizen trust? 

4.       In recent years, healthcare systems have come under cyberattack. It is puzzling that despite spending US$17.35 billion in 2022 taking advantage of the latest in security solutions and services, healthcare organisations remain vulnerable. 

a.       Why is this continuing to occur?

b.       How can healthcare institutions protect themselves from the risk of cyberattacks and safeguard sensitive patient data?

5.       For CIOs, CISOs and leadership at healthcare organizations – both private and public – any recommendations for getting buy-in and support from stakeholders?