Malema Seroba

DaVinci Alumnus Driving Digital Innovation in SA’s Healthcare

Matthew Chetty, an alumnus of The DaVinci Institute with a Master of Science in Management of Technology and Innovation, is playing a significant role in transforming South Africa’s public sector. As the Impact Area Manager for e-Government at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Chetty leads initiatives that modernise public services through integrated digital systems in the healthcare sector.

According to Chetty, technology should enhance service delivery, promote accessibility, and create equity. He envisions a future where governance and digital innovation align to address current challenges and anticipate emerging needs, ultimately leading to improved service delivery for all South Africans.

Matthew Chetty’s Role At CSIR

At the CSIR, Chetty is responsible for shaping strategy, engaging stakeholders, leading business development, and ensuring the delivery of digital solutions that support government priorities. One of its most impactful areas of work is healthcare, where the CSIR has developed foundational digital systems to support the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI), a programme designed to achieve universal health coverage.

Use of Technology to Support Government

Since 2011, Chetty and his team have worked closely with the Department of Health to create and deploy the Health Patient Registration System (HPRS), now active in over 3,000 clinics nationwide. This system serves as the national database of patient demographic information and generates unique patient identification numbers, a critical step for achieving interoperability and continuity of care within the health sector.

In addition to HPRS, Chetty oversaw the development of the Electronic Vaccine Data System (EVDS), used extensively during the COVID-19 pandemic. The system was operational across more than 4,000 vaccination sites, managing real-time scheduling and tracking of vaccine doses. This demonstrated the feasibility of implementing large-scale digital health solutions in both public and private sectors.

Chetty has also championed other essential healthcare tools, such as the Master Health Facility List, a national database of health facilities and their services and the Health Normative Standards Framework, which provides guidelines for achieving interoperability between diverse health information systems.

These digital solutions are vital for the success of the NHI, forming the backbone of the national health information platform. Another transformative system led by Chetty is the National Electronic Health Record System, designed to securely store and share patient data across provinces and institutions. This innovation allows for a seamless, patient-centred approach to healthcare across the country.

Data-Driven Solutions

Beyond healthcare, Chetty is committed to bridging the digital divide. For over two decades, the CSIR e-Government Impact Area has worked with various departments, including the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, to implement ICT access solutions in rural communities. These include rural ICT centres, school laboratories, and Digital Doorways that aim to provide digital access and opportunities to underserved populations.

Through these efforts, Chetty continues to lead South Africa into a future where technology not only drives service efficiency but also ensures inclusivity and empowerment for all citizens.