New Zealand Unveils 10-Year Plan to Modernise Healthcare with Single Electronic Medical Records System
Health Minister Simeon Brown has unveiled a bold 10-year plan to revolutionize New Zealand’s healthcare system, promising a single electronic medical records (EMR) system to connect patients, GPs, and hospitals nationwide. The "Health Digital Investment Plan" aims to modernize the country’s outdated and fragmented healthcare infrastructure, with the goal of delivering faster, safer, and more efficient care for all Kiwis.
Currently, 65% of New Zealand hospitals still rely on paper-based records, causing communication breakdowns and inefficiencies. Brown highlighted how patients are often forced to repeat their medical history at different points of care, and clinicians waste time on paperwork instead of focusing on patients.
The new digital strategy includes five key goals: improving patient outcomes, supporting healthcare professionals, stabilizing the technological infrastructure, laying the groundwork for future innovation, and enabling data-driven decision-making. Central to the overhaul is the introduction of a nationwide electronic medical records system that will ensure secure, seamless sharing of information between GPs, specialists, and hospitals.
Additional features of the plan include remote patient monitoring to facilitate early discharges, a national radiology system to prioritize urgent cases, and strengthened cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive health data. "Imagine getting your cancer diagnosis and having your entire treatment journey coordinated through connected systems—no repeated tests, no lost referrals," Brown said.
The implementation will occur in three phases: stabilizing critical systems, modernizing existing platforms, and enabling innovative healthcare models. As part of the effort, the Government will establish the Centre for Digital Modernisation of Health, collaborating with global AI and process engineering experts.
The Accelerate program has already started digitizing patient notes in hospitals that still rely on paper and upgrading hospital Wi-Fi and medical devices. Moreover, the HealthX innovation initiative from Health New Zealand will roll out new digital health projects, such as AI-supported diagnostic tools, home monitoring systems, and AI scribes in emergency departments.
Brown emphasized that the government is committed to both improving the current system and preparing for the future. “Smarter digital investment means shorter wait times, safer care, and a health system that works for all New Zealanders,” he said.