Cape town: The Free State Department of Health has won the Africa Tech: Public Sector Digital Innovator Award at the Africa Tech Week Awards 2026, held in Cape Town. The award recognises public sector institutions that have successfully deployed and adopted digital solutions that improve service delivery and citizen experience.

According to South African Government News Agency, the accolade was awarded for the department's deployment of the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) for Primary Health Care. This digital health solution is enhancing patient care, continuity of care, accountability, and operational efficiency across the province. The department views this achievement as a testament to its growing leadership in digital health innovation and its commitment to improving healthcare services for communities across the province.

The department emphasised its intention to continue scaling and optimising the EMR to ensure continuity of care, better referral management, improved medication and records management, and strengthened accountability through timely, reliable data. Health MEC Monyatso Mahlatsi remarked that this accolade is a clear indication of the province's dedication to elevating healthcare performance. Mahlatsi stated the importance of making care safer, faster, and more accountable, with plans to intensify the rollout and strengthen data-driven decision-making.

Head of Department Ernest Mohlahlo attributed the recognition to the team of health professionals working within the department, highlighting the collective effort of clinicians, nurses, managers, ICT professionals, and support teams. Mohlahlo outlined future plans to deepen training, change management, connectivity, cybersecurity, and interoperability to ensure that every facility experiences measurable improvements in access, quality, and patient experience. The department remains committed to disciplined execution and transparent performance monitoring.