Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 15, 2016 (SKNIS): The Honourable Eugene Hamilton, Minister of Health, said that the IT equipment from the Republic of China (Taiwan) will assist in the implementation of a robust health management information system.
“The software will enable staff to track inventory and utilization,” Minister Hamilton said during a brief ceremony on Wednesday, January 13. “It will red flag which patient is being dispensed more medicine than they need. It will identify the practitioners whose prescribing behaviour is not consistent with established practices and guidelines.”
Minister Hamilton added that the system will produce sound and incontestable evidence that the hospital executive needs to improve effectiveness and efficiencies and expressed his desire to see improvement in all areas.
He urged management to place persons at strategic points for better use and care of the equipment.
“I am challenging all of us to put the right people in place to carry out expert inventory management, utilization tracking and supervision of the practices of doctors and nurses, technologists and technicians,” said Minister Hamilton, while adding that the computers should be used mainly for work purposes.
The health minister stated that he is looking forward to speedy progress with the Joseph N. France General Hospital management information system as they establish connectivity to community health centers and private practitioners, while placing the Federation on the leading edge of E-health and accountability in the health sector.
Minister Hamilton encouraged all to be more proactive in 2016 and beyond, as technology is important in order for the sector to become part of the information age and the E-government agenda.