Computer boffin’s designs software to make patients’ lives easier
"He has also designed a system that manages the application process for nursing training."
THANKS to a new App by award-winning IT specialist Xolani Phakathi, the KZN department of health says it will now be able to consolidate and monitor procurement plans for health facilities, making it unnecessary for employees to drive to head office from all over the province to submit dense documents and data, which are impossible to email.
Phakathi, designed a range of innovative computer programmes aimed at helping the department save money, while significantly enhancing its ability to deliver services smoothly and efficiently to the people.
Phakathi’s web-based application prevents patients from obtaining multiple devices such as wheelchairs, walking and hearing aids and consolidates and monitors procurement plans for health facilities.
These computer programmes are being showcased nationally by the Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI), with the possibility of being replicated in other Government departments around the country.
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The CPSI is a Government Component within the Ministry of Public Service and Administration, reporting directly to the Minister.
It co-ordinates the Public Sector Innovation Awards Programme with the aim of entrenching a culture of innovation in the public sector, to contribute to the enhancement of service delivery.
On Friday, Xolani was congratulated by KZN Health MEC Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, who said they were extremely proud to have someone of his calibre in their midst.
“He is one of our most hard working and valued employees whose skill and expertise is saving the Department a lot of money, while also helping us serve the people of this province better and more efficiently. His work and the contribution that he is making in the field of IT becomes even more special when you consider his humble beginnings. He is just a young man from Inanda, north of Durban. It shows once again that anything is possible if you work hard, remain focused and dedicated,” said Dhlomo.
The Inanda-born native has also designed a system that manages the application process for nurses training at the KZN College of Nursing (the Department gets up to 60 000 applications each year).
He was recently nominated by the National Youth Development Agency to be included in the country’s top young achievers; and was recognised by President Cyril Ramaphosa during this year’s National Youth Day Commemoration event.
One of his important goals is to help steer the Department towards an electronic patient record management system.
His advice to young people wishing to follow in his footsteps is: “Never give up, pursue your dreams and always strive for excellence. Always keep yourself relevant by keeping abreast of the latest developments in information technology. Be passionate about what you do. Stay focused and determined to succeed. Deliver more than what is expected of you. Understand your industry and keep your vision clear at all times.”
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