Hospital Health Information Management System (HHIMS) Introduced at Wathupitiwala Base Hospital

The Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) announces the Hospital Health Information Management System launch, at the Base Hospital Wathupitiwala, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. The system was launched on 12th October 2021 by Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, amidst the presence of ICTA Chairman Mr. Oshada Senanayake, Director Health Information Dr. Palitha Karunapema, Gampaha District Regional Director Health Services Dr. Nalin Ariyarathna, and Medical Superintendent Base Hospital Wathupitiwala  Dr. M I Siraj.

It is yet another step towards meaningful digital transformation alongside a broader formation of a Digital Health BluePrint. The HHIMS improves the quality of the outpatient department by giving timely access to critical clinical information, mobilizing new resources, and ensuring accountability. On average, 700 to 800 patients are being treated daily at the OPD of Watupitiwala B.H. The introduction of HHIMS significantly reduces the need to maintain paper-based records. In addition, it enables an improved and efficient service to patients by automating patient registration, examination, drug ordering (prescription), lab tests, injections, radiology tests ordering, and summary report generation.

It also offers many advantages to high-level decision-makers in the health care administration in Sri Lanka, thereby helping to detect and control emerging and endemic health problems. In addition, it enables monitoring progress towards health goals and promotes equity in health care by empowering citizens with timely and relevant health-related information. Furthermore,  the system strengthens policy makers' ability to formulate evidence-based health policies, permitting evaluation of scale-up efforts.