THE development of Guyana’s electronic medical health record system is expected to be underway this year as specific sums were allocated for that along with the upgrading of software in several areas of the Ministry of Health.

This was revealed by Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony during the examination of estimates for his ministry in the 2024 budget.

As part of a $1 billion allocation, Dr Anthony stated that funds will be put aside to develop the electronic medical health record system. Added to this, he noted that they will be paying for software that the ministry uses.

Further to this, $16 million under this $1 billion sum will be spent on specific software for the Materials Management Unit (MMU).

Against this backdrop, Opposition Member of Parliament, Dr Karen Cummings questioned whether the digitisation of records will include information on drugs and medical supplies.

In response, Dr Anthony said that the MMU has been using software that is about 25-years-old and although they have tried to get updates for the software from time-to-time, it is time to change.

Added to this, he indicated that a consultant from USAID has been working with the ministry over the past year looking at the system and helping to decide what type of software would be best to acquire.

“So, we have set aside some provisions to look at acquiring that software during this year,” Dr Anthony said.

Late last year, the minister revealed that the government was evaluating bids that were submitted for the provision of a comprehensive electronic health records system here.
At that time, he noted that they have been working assiduously on digital health and added that in 2024 they would set up a new department regarding digital health in the ministry.

The health minister had said that while aggressive talks have been underway concerning the integration of a comprehensive electronic health records system, they had some 16 companies so far bidding to provide the system.