Ebonyi Govt Digitalises Healthcare System
By Alex Odeh
The Ebonyi State Government is undertaking an initiative to train healthcare professionals within the State, aiming to enhance the efficacy of health service delivery to its residents.
During an interview with journalists in Abakaliki, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, revealed this significant development.
He articulated that the ministry is currently providing training for select healthcare workers from various health facilities across the state, noting that eighty-four laptops have been procured to bolster the implementation of electronic medical records.
He stated, “At this juncture, we are committed to the digitalisation of our healthcare system. Presently, there is an ongoing training program for our healthcare workers in designated facilities, focusing on the utilization of electronic medical records.
“We are initiating this effort by piloting it in several high-volume health facilities. Additionally, in collaboration with our partners, we have acquired 84 computers to facilitate the electronic medical records system. Consequently, healthcare workers from these selected facilities are commencing their training today.
“This is an important step forward. We have already deployed staff, secured equipment, and ensured the availability of essential medications. Furthermore, we have enrolled numerous individuals in the health insurance program,”he elaborated.
He elucidated that the digitalisation of healthcare in the state will alleviate the burdens associated with traditional written records.
“We have also rendered our medical emergency services operational. Our objective now is to transition to a digital framework for our health facilities, enabling seamless communication in the event of patient referrals. Instead of lengthy written notes, we will simply transmit the patient’s records to the receiving hospital.
“We have initiated this process with 84 of our health facilities and intend to expand it over time. This marks another significant advancement. The computers we are employing are equipped with backup systems.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Francis Nwifuru for providing health staff with the opportunity to receive training in healthcare digitalisation.
“It is essential to note that the effective use of this technology does not necessitate constant electricity. Hence, my staff are undergoing training in preparation for its implementation. His Excellency’s unwavering commitment to the health sector has yielded positive results.
The Commissioner further announced that key performance indicators for evaluating health outcomes, such as maternal mortality rates and under-five mortality rates, have shown a marked decline.
He remarked, “All the metrics we utilize to assess the health sector have begun to improve. In the State, we have witnessed a significant reduction in maternal mortality rates. When we assumed office, the rate exceeded 800,000 per 100,000 live births.
“Currently, it stands at approximately 400,000, which is below the national average of 512,000 per 100,000 live births. The maternal mortality rate has consequently fallen beneath the national benchmark. Similarly, the under-five mortality rate in the State has decreased, while the nutritional status of the population and the number of deliveries occurring in healthcare facilities have also seen an increase,”Ekuma noted.
