Health Information and Quality Improvement Project

2022, Sri Lanka embarked on an ambitious journey with the launch of the Health Information and Quality Improvement Project. This ongoing initiative, slated for completion in December 2024, stands as a testament to the nation's commitment to transforming healthcare through the power of digital innovation.

The origin of this project was rooted in a critical challenge: the absence of a well-defined digital health blueprint within the healthcare sector. This void led to fragmented technology utilization, inadequate data security measures, missed opportunities for innovation, limited interoperability, disparities in healthcare access, inefficient resource allocation, inhibited data-driven decision-making, resistance to technological adoption, and regulatory uncertainties. Recognizing these hurdles, Sri Lanka set out to chart a new course in healthcare.

At its core, the Health Information and Quality Improvement Project seeks to implement a comprehensive strategy. This strategy revolves around the adoption of a well-designed, well-connected, and highly available health workforce, combined with the seamless integration of digital tools. Its overarching goal is to effectively address the challenges plaguing health information systems and elevate the delivery of healthcare services in Sri Lanka to new heights.

The project's scope encompasses a range of critical tasks, all geared towards ushering in a new era of digital healthcare excellence. This includes the formulation of a Digital Health Architecture Blueprint and Interoperability Plan, with the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) offering vital technical assistance to the Ministry of Health.

One of its pivotal outcomes is the creation of a robust Digital Health Architecture Blueprint, providing a well-defined roadmap for leveraging digital technologies in the healthcare sector. This blueprint aims to optimize the use of technology, ensure data security, enhance interoperability, and drive innovation, ultimately addressing fragmented healthcare information systems. Furthermore, the project has successfully introduced essential components such as the Healthcare Facility Registry, Healthcare Professional Registry, Digital Health Atlas, and a Thin slice for the National Electronic Health Record (NeHR).