–as GPHC introduces eCARE health record system

THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), on Friday, announced the introduction of its electronic health record system, eCARE, which will further enhance efficiency and transparency in the delivery of care.

This was announced by the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Robbie Rambarran in a video message.

He said that the move is not only a technology change, but a transformation in how care is delivered with greater accountability, transparency and efficiency.

While expressing his excitement to introduce the system, he stated that every act of care delivered is supported by the systems used, and now those systems are receiving a much-needed upgrade.

Rambarran added: “With eCARE, every patient will have one electronic record that follows them across various departments and specialties, eliminating repeated paperwork, improving workflow and making it easier for multidisciplinary teams to collaborate.”

Against this backdrop, the CEO stated that in the coming week, more information about eCARE will be shared along with how persons can actively participate in the journey.

In March of this year, the Ministry of Health signed a US$3.3 million contract with RioMed Limited for the implementation of a national electronic health record system.

It was noted that the first phase of that project would begin at the GPHC and all its satellite clinics.

Upon completion of the first phase, other phases are set to be embarked upon as the intention is to have the electronic health record system cover all facilities across Guyana.

The intention in the long run is for citizens to have a unique identifier, and when they enter the public health system, they can use the same to access their health records and thus reduce waiting times at public health institutions.

Several things were set in motion prior to the implementation of the system, which included the passage and enactment of the Data Protection Act aimed at preventing the misuse and theft of data and further protecting the personal data of Guyanese.