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Plans Underway For Introduction Of Health Information System

By: , July 21, 2017

The Key Point:

Health Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, says plans are underway for the introduction of the health information system to improve the overall delivery of healthcare services across the island.

The Facts

  • Dr. Tufton was delivering remarks at the handing over of 10 desktop computers by the FLOW Foundation to the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), on July 21.
  • The hospital’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Errol Greene, expressed gratitude to flow for the donation.

The Full Story

Health Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, says plans are underway for the introduction of the health information system to improve the overall delivery of healthcare services across the island.

He informed that since last year, progress has been made in bringing the system, known for capturing, storing, managing and transmitting information related to the health of individuals or the activities of organisations that work within the health sector, closer to fruition.

“We have engaged the services of the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO). I have invited them to host a seminar with experts to discuss a framework for the introduction of health information systems in Jamaica,” he said.

Dr. Tufton was delivering remarks at the handing over of 10 desktop computers by the FLOW Foundation to the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), on July 21.

The Minister pointed out that PAHO, after visiting several healthcare facilities, is in the process of completing a proposal on how Jamaica’s health information system will look.

He said that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has also been engaged along with a bilateral partner country “to give support and a commitment to building out that health information system over time.”

 

“I am going to be in a position the next financial year to announce the specific details of our intention and plan to roll out the health information system for Jamaica, whether we go institution by institution or overall. We are committed to that process,” Dr. Tufton emphasised.

Last year, the Health Minister mentioned plans by his Ministry to have patients’ medical records digitized.

At that time, Dr. Tufton said the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) had commenced its own digitization process.

Turning to FLOW’s donation, Dr. Tufton said the contribution will help improve the dynamics of a changing environment.

The computers will allow the hospital to access laboratory and diagnostic services while interacting with patients, electronically book patients for surgical times, and in turn improve service delivery.

The hospital’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Errol Greene, expressed gratitude to flow for the donation.

For his part, FLOW Foundation Executive Chairman, Errol Miller, said his organisation is eager to provide support to KPH against the background of the hospital moving towards the electronic management of its patients and their records.

“KPH supports and provides healthcare for the entire Jamaica, the Caribbean and the Diaspora, so we were really happy to (donate the computers),” he said.

He also noted that FLOW’s association with the health sector extends beyond the KPH to include the Bustamante Hospital for Children.

Last Updated: July 23, 2017

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