Healthcare service across the country is expected to become more efficient. The Health Ministry officially launched its electronic patient information system or e-PIS today at the National Referral Hospital. With the launch of the system, health centres across the country will soon start keeping track of medical records online. The system is a part of the Digital Drukyul Flagship Programme of the 12th Five Year Plan, which is expected to transform Bhutan into a smart and inclusive country by harnessing the potential of information and communications technology.
The e-PIS project is one of the key components of Bhutan’s national e-Health vision and action plan.
The system will enable healthcare professionals and patients to access medical records online including test results.
It is expected to provide healthcare professionals with comprehensive and up-to-date patient information, which will help in making more informed decisions about patient care.
Health minister, Dechen Wangmo said that the system is unlike any other system launched prior adding that it “…touches the core of humanity.”
“This will also ensure accountability of patient safety and quality of care for the patients. And for the nation, this will ensure that our plans are based on evidence,” added the minister.
However, the project officials said they are expecting a few issues in the initial days.
“I think in the initial stages, though we tested it, it was not in a real environment. Once we start using it, we will learn from it and fine tune the system. In the longer run we are confident that it should work properly but for the next few days we might face some issues, which we are prepared to tackle,” said Kinley Tshering, e-PIS Project Manager.
Besides, the system is expected to ensure efficient use of drug in health centres across the country.
The healthcare centres across the country will start using the system from Monday.
Karma Samten Wangda
