Mobitel launches project aimed at uplifting local healthcare sector

‘mPHI’, a project designed by the national mobile service provider Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel together with the corporation of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Health Ministry, is one that aims to uplift the efficiency and quality of the country’s healthcare sector.

Launched initially as a pilot project in the Kegalle district, mPHI includes two solutions. The first is the implementation of an ICT platform for communicable diseases management – this will be used by public health inspectors attached to the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Ministry of Health. The other solution introduced under mPHI is a NFC-based patient smart card system which will be initially used at the Kegalle District Hospital. Both solutions designed by Mobitel are a first for the industry.

The management of communicable diseases is an absolute need in any country. The current system in Sri Lanka entails a manual system which involves the passing of information between the relevant hospital, the area’s MoH and public health inspector via post. The implementation of this newly developed ICT platform automates the entire process and through the use of a set of android and desktop ICT applications, communication between these three main entities is made much faster and more efficient.

The application also enables higher mobility, enabling nurses to update patient information directly from the hospital ward. This kind of efficient data storing reduces unnecessary registry maintenance work at all ends of the process and also means a more detailed health information system.

The newly introduced smart card solution for patients will mean that all patient information such as prescriptions, laboratory reports, hospital stays, etc. will all be stored in one location and thus made easily accessible at any given point. The patient card will work on cutting-edge NFC technology.

Speaking at the launch of mPHI, Chief Minister for the Sabaragamuwa Province Mahipala Herath said: “The public health sector has a great demand in this country. When supplying to such a demand, we must ensure the highest quality of service. With the advent of technology it is important that we increase the efficiency of our organisations. The mPHI service designed and implemented by Mobitel is one such method of improving the efficiency of the health sector. We appreciate the contribution made by Mobitel and I’m sure this will be a successful project for the entire industry. We are also proud to be the pioneering partner of Mobitel on this important project.”

Chamith Hettiarachchi, Head of Business Solutions – Mobitel, discussing this new project commented: “Mobitel continuously provides advanced, bespoke ICT solutions to our customers. Sri Lanka provides a plethora of medical services free of charge. We should be committed to improve and facilitate these free public services. As the national mobile service provider, Mobitel has understood the importance of this fact and taken necessary steps to assist the industry.

“We expect that the use of our technology for the welfare of the country’s citizens will upgrade the public health sector. At a time where the Government is making an effort to implement a more efficient medical service in the country, we believe introducing this service will be extremely appropriate. I must also thank the Ministry of Health of the Sabaragamuwa Province for the valuable support and pioneering efforts extended towards this project.”

Dr. Indika Jagoda, Regional Director – Ministry of Health, Sabaragamuwa Province stated: “I believe this service launched by Mobitel with our Provincial Health Ministry will revolutionise the country’s health sector. A majority of the public in this country obtain health services from Government facilities. Therefore, it is essential to manage the services properly by using the latest technology.

“It is heartening to see a Government affiliated entity such as Mobitel taking the initiative with a project such as this. Preventing contagious diseases is an essential factor for the development of our country. It wasn’t long ago that we implemented a dengue prevention program with Mobitel. I look forward to a fruitful partnership between the organisations in order to render the best service possible to the public.”