
SMC's new HMIS has handled 89,119 patients so far
Surat: Hospitals run by the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) have transitioned to a paperless system for patient handling. Patients no longer need to carry physical case papers as their records are maintained digitally.
Since its virtual inauguration on May 27 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the new Hospital Management and Information System (HMIS) has been implemented at Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research (SMIMER), Maskati Hospital and 30 urban health centres (UHC). A total of 81,555 outpatients, 1,984 inpatients and 5,580 emergency patients have been handled using the system.
SMC health officials say the system will significantly aid hospital managements and patients alike.
"We can not only monitor the health scenario over a dashboard, but also provide better health services. We will be able to plan various actions as the data is readily available," an SMC health official said.
The HMIS, which cost Rs 38 crore, was implemented in municipal corporation-run hospitals to improve health services through information technology. The initiative focuses on enhancing speed, transparency and efficiency of healthcare services.
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"A patient does not need to carry a medical prescription on paper and save it for future use. It is available on the patient's mobile or by entering the patient's ID at our network hospitals," an official said.
Medical records were digitized to create a central database for more streamlined services. The system is being implemented under the Smart Cities Mission at city hospitals and UHCs. It includes digital OPD/IPD registration, electronic health records, pharmacy management, operation theatre management, ICU management, detailed records of diagnostic tests, and others.
It will also feature a Picture Archival and Communication System (PACS) for digital storage of radiological images such as sonography and X-rays, 3D viewing and archiving for future reference. Additionally, the Queue Management System (QMS) will provide token-based queue management for patient convenience at SMIMER Hospital.
The project includes an e-Health mobile app through which patients can access health records, blood reports, prescriptions and other important information on mobile phones.
"This system will connect all healthcare institutions of the SMC with a central database, ensuring seamless treatment for patients and preventing duplication of data. It will result in a quick treatment and discharge process," said an SMC official.
Instant availability of a patient's medical history, reports and treatment details allows doctors to make faster and better decisions. With IT systems, tasks such as report generation and discharge processes are accelerated, leading to better healthcare services.
Through the mobile app, patients can view billing and treatment cost details as well.
Other system features such as dashboards and MIS reports related to health centres and hospital services will allow the monitoring of various service parameters. The availability and analysis of data on treatment, medication, care needs and patient trends will help the health department and SMC plan, improve healthcare services and prepare the necessary medical resources in advance.
Patients will receive an E-Health Card and Unique Health ID (UHID). The UHID provided to each patient will allow tracking of health information across SMC facilities.
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