UNDP supports the launch of the "One Patient, One Record" eHealth Project for Enhanced Public Healthcare

This groundbreaking initiative signifies a major leap forward in modernizing the nation's public healthcare services.

January 29, 2024

workshop attended by key figures such as Dr. The Honourable Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal, Minister of Health and Wellness; Ms. Amanda Serumaga, UNDP Resident Representative; dignitaries and staff from UNDP and the ministry.

UNDP Mauritius/ Stéphane Bellerose

The Republic of Mauritius has achieved a significant milestone in the advancement of its e-Health services with the launch of the "One Patient, One Record" project in Port-Louis on Saturday, January 27, 2024. This groundbreaking initiative, discussed during a comprehensive implementation workshop attended by key figures such as Dr. The Honourable Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal, Minister of Health and Wellness, UNDP representatives, and other dignitaries, signifies a major leap forward in modernizing the nation's public healthcare services.

The UNDP Mauritius Country Office expressed pride in its collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to transition the country's public healthcare services from the traditional paper-based system to a new era of modernity. The "One Patient, One Record" initiative aims to leverage state-of-the-art technology, facilitating a shift to a more cost-efficient, patient-centric, and accountable system for managing patient records, details, and test results.

The comprehensive e-Health project is budgeted at Rs 600 million and spans two phases, with Phase One accounting for Rs 200 million. Tangible results from Phase One are anticipated to be visible at the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital from August 2024, extending subsequently to other Regional Hospitals, Health Centers, Community Centers, and Mediclinics within three months.

A pivotal aspect of the project is the implementation of a Patient Portal and Patient Administration System, providing healthcare professionals with access to accurate and up-to-date information about patients. This technological advancement is expected to eliminate challenges associated with lost or misplaced medical files, offering instant access to crucial patient data with a simple click.

 

Ensuring a well-coordinated healthcare journey for patients

The project also places a strong emphasis on health information exchange systems, promoting seamless collaboration among healthcare providers. This interoperability ensures a well-coordinated healthcare journey for patients across different settings, promising positive changes for both healthcare providers and the citizens they serve.

During his launch speech, Minister Jagutpal underscored the challenges associated with the current paper-based system, revealing that for a population of 1.2 million people in Mauritius, there are five million active patient files and nine million casualty cards. He emphasized the imperative need to transition to digital solutions, particularly in managing patients’ records, details, and test results.

Ms. Amanda Serumaga, UNDP Mauritius and Seychelles Resident Representative, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, "The launch of the eHealth project in Mauritius transcends being a mere milestone; it signifies a giant leap towards a healthier, more connected future for our nation. Let's embrace this technological evolution with open arms, confident that we are paving the way for a healthcare system that is not only efficient but also compassionate and patient-centric.

Ms. Serumaga further reiterated UNDP's commitment to investing in and supporting governments to expand and empower their capabilities, showcasing the organization's dedication to fostering positive change in the public health sector.

As Mauritius embarks on this transformative journey, collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Wellness, healthcare professionals, IT experts, and stakeholders is deemed crucial for the efficient and timely implementation of the eHealth project. With the promise of a more connected and compassionate healthcare system, the "One Patient, One Record" initiative is poised to bring lasting benefits to the citizens of Mauritius.