United News of Bangladesh

A comprehensive hospital automation system featuring electronic medical records, laboratory test management, pharmacy medicine distribution and tracking, user fee collection and referral services is currently operational in 87 government hospitals across the country, Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain told Parliament on Wednesday. The minister said the system has been introduced in 61 Upazila health complexes, 14 district hospitals, two medical college hospitals and 10 national-level hospitals, he said while replying to a question from BNP lawmaker Sultana Ahmed of reserved women's seat-22. He said the digital system has already yielded significant benefits for both healthcare providers and patients. The minister said government revenue has increased as all service fees are now digitally recorded.“The digital preservation of patient information has also reduced costs for patients, as previously stored medical data can be reused without requiring duplicate procedures or documentation.” The system further enables the transfer of a patient's treatment records from one hospital to another with the patient's consent, eliminating the need to carry paper files, he said. Sakhawat Husain also highlighted the government's e-appointment initiative, which allows people to obtain hospital tickets from home without having to queue at hospital counters. Patients can use their digital tickets to directly access outpatient services from physicians, he said. At present, e-ticketing services are available in 15 hospitals, with plans to gradually expand the programme to all hospitals nationwide. The minister informed Parliament that a Development Project Proposal (DPP) aimed at expanding the integrated hospital management system is currently under review by the Planning Commission and awaiting approval at an Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) meeting. Once approved, the project will be implemented in phases to bring hospitals at all levels under the integrated management system, he said. To facilitate the implementation of the DPP, a pilot Technical Assistance Project Proposal (TAPP) has already been drafted. Under the pilot project, unique health IDs, e-health cards and integrated automation services will be introduced in five districts, the minister added.