Samboan Health Officer Turns Patients’ Records Into Digital Files

The new municipal health officer of Samboan town in southern Cebu has turned the records of patients in the town into digital files.

Dr. Ianne Jireh Ramos said she revamped the operations of its Municipal Health Office by adopting an open-source health management system called Shine OS+.

Shine stands for Secured Health Information Network and Exchange.

An initiative of wireless leader Smart Communications and the Ateneo de Manila University’s Java Wireless Competency Center (AJWCC), Shine OS+ allows digital recording of patient notes; referrals to connected clinics, doctors and medical facilities; reminders through email or text; and report compilations.

Samboan Mayor Raymond Joseph Calderon said the computerization of patients’ records will be a big help to the town and enable the local health personnel to provide them the services they need.

“We are implementing in Samboan a very important project with Smart and Ateneo. I thank Smart for all the programs it has initiated in the town,” he said.

Ramos said that when she took over as Samboan’s health officer in January 2015, patient records were written down on paper that are cut into quarters and deposited in one large box.

“The notes that concern one patient were not even stapled together.To get a background on the condition of my patients, I only rely on what they tell me about prior check-ups and prescribed medications,” said Ramos.

Smart, in partnership with Cebu-based startup InnoPub Media, earlier launched its Digital Tourism initiative in Samboan, one of the towns south of Cebu that have been benefiting from community ecotourism. (PNA) CTB/EB/RSM