Digital transformation at all levels of the country’s healthcare sector has opened the door for more people skilled in tech, says Raymond Plotz, CIO at Mediclinic Southern Africa.

Developing digitally in the sector aims to improve access and enhance patient care, support healthcare practitioners and save costs, said Plotz.

There has been a burst of innovation in the healthcare tech spaces as organisations are adopting a range of emerging technologies, said the CIO.

“There are unique challenges as healthcare providers are currently dependent on legacy systems that don’t transition easily and smoothly to digital and cloud-based solutions.

“Also, our systems handle such sensitive healthcare and patient data that the sector cannot indulge in significant downtime or sudden, sweeping disruptions. This is resulting in some of the most interesting and stimulating opportunities for agile, problem-solving tech workers at the leading edge of digital transformation.”

According to Mediclinic, these are the top in-demand tech skills in the industry:

• Computer science
• Information technology
• SQL
• Information systems
• Data analysis
• Agile methodology
• Project management
• Process improvement
• Technical support
• C# and Python

Gilienne Engel, a talent manager for Mediclinic, said that for both new and more experienced tech professionals, there is a rich, open field in the healthcare sector.

Engel said that professionals such as Solutions and Systems Architects, Software Engineers, Data and Business Systems Analysts, Infomation Security Officers, Application Analysts and Data Scientists could all enjoy the open work field of the healthcare sector.

Engel said that while Mediclinic, a private hospital group, is always looking for experience in standards such as Health Level 7 and Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resource – there are still opportunities available for current ICT professionals looking to switch.

Previous work experience specific to the industry is not always required, with Engel saying that: “For a person with the right ICT skills and experience, industry exposure within the healthcare sector can be acquired on the job and is not necessarily an essential entry requirement.

“Many competitive appointments for roles such as Systems Analysts and Systems Developers cite ‘healthcare sector experience’ as an advantage but not a requirement to win the job.”

What healthcare information technology does have to offer talent are relevant and interesting technology platforms that will enable them to keep their skills fresh and challenge their problem-solving and innovation capabilities.

“This is a field of ICT that tends to attract tech workers who want to work with purpose,” Plotz said.