Minister for Health Julius Timothy has proposed a sub-regional approach to strengthening health information.
Timothy made the suggestion as individuals from Dominica and other Caribbean islands met at Garraway hotel Wednesday for the first day of training at a workshop on the health information system.
He said an improved health information system should make information more readily available for sound decision making.
“It is no longer acceptable to request information that should be readily available and to have to wait days, weeks or even months for such information,” Timothy argued.
He made reference to the free movement of people within the OECS sub-region, expected to officially commence in August and said that aspect of regional integration can enhance access to health care services in the region.
“In the longer term, we need to adopt a strategic regional approach to the development of health care services so that some of the countries in the OECS have an area of expertise that can be accessed by others rather than every country trying to develop full-fledged services in all areas,” Tomothy stated. “This approach will require the establishment of an information system that allows for easy access to information by those who need to have that, while at the same time, safeguarding the patient’s privacy.”
Well, that should be easy enough to do provided you have the money…….or has it already been earmarked?
Amazing! As a health professional myself, I am quite impressed to hear of this upward movement and development… Its been a long time coming for Dominica and the rest of the caribbean to join the world with advances in HIT…… impressive!!!!