Local public hospitals will soon have their record-keeping and surveillance systems upgraded to assist medical practitioners in making more accurate diagnoses especially in flu cases, Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony announced yesterday.
The minister made this disclosure at the opening ceremony of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Flu Information Management System Workshop, where he shared insights into the developments that are expected to take place within the sector.
He disclosed that hospitals are going to soon be equipped with an electronic record and surveillance system to collect information and standardise the way medical cases are handled. This is expected to enhance the effectiveness of medical professionals and make symptoms easier to diagnose, as the system will collect information and give an accurate response to assist in the detection of both infectious and non-communicable diseases. He noted that this would also provide for a more accurate diagnosis, as some persons tend to confuse flu symptoms with either COVID-19 or dengue.
Anthony told the gathering that this system is the first of its kind in South America, and if the technology is used correctly, the batch of medical practitioners in attendance will be the pioneers and set an example for other countries.
He also informed that currently there are 50 sites that are considered telemedicine sites and he wants that number to expand to 80 by the end of the year. This type of technology, he explained, gives the additional benefit of real-time data. “If we are going to change the way that we are doing things, we need to learn and progress with what is happening.”
During his brief opening statement, the minister also disclosed that his ministry has applied to the Pandemic Fund for additional resources, and if received, would enable the funding the plan that was developed, strengthening surveillance and laboratory systems.
