1st February 2025, Kathmandu
Health and Population Minister Pradip Paudel has announced a decision to introduce a unified electronic system for patient data across all health institutions.
Integrated Health Systems Nepal
The goal is to ensure that medical test results are electronically shared between health centers, preventing unnecessary repetition of tests and improving overall treatment.
Eliminating Redundancy in Testing
Currently, patients often face repeated tests at different healthcare facilities due to a lack of a centralized data system. This not only increases the cost of treatment but also causes delays and inefficiencies. Minister Paudel’s decision aims to tackle this problem by enabling all healthcare providers to access a patient’s complete medical history.
Electronic Medical Records System for All Institutions
From now on, all government and private health institutions must use the Electronic Medical Records System, 2024. This system will allow health providers to store and exchange patient data electronically, ensuring quick and accurate access to medical records. With this shift, patients will no longer need to repeat tests or carry medical reports to different institutions.
Benefits for Patients and Policy Makers
The new system is expected to cut down patient costs, save time, and remove the redundancy of testing. Additionally, it will provide valuable data to inform healthcare policies. Minister Paudel believes that the integrated system will not only ease the burden on patients but will also make healthcare services more efficient.
Streamlining Patient Services
With the new system, patients will no longer need to bring their previous test results to hospitals. The electronic records will be available across all healthcare facilities, improving the efficiency of care. According to Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, spokesperson for the Ministry, the system will eliminate paper records and allow seamless access to patient data, resulting in faster and more accurate treatment.
Online Payment System and Easy Access to Services
The new system also integrates online payment for medical services. It allows patients to easily settle their bills without any hassle. Furthermore, the system includes features like pharmacy records, emergency services, and lab reports, providing a comprehensive medical record for both patients and healthcare providers.
Aiming for Comprehensive Implementation
The Ministry has planned to expand the system to all levels—local, provincial, and federal. Health institutions will be required to implement this electronic records system at all tiers. A federal-level committee, led by an additional secretary, will monitor the system’s implementation and address any challenges.
In summary, Minister Paudel’s initiative is set to enhance patient care, reduce costs, and support the development of more effective healthcare policies through unified, electronic health data.
For more: Integrated Health Systems Nepal
