Mobitel introduces 'mPHI'

'mPHI', a project designed by Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel and the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Health Ministry aims at uplifting 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 implementation of an ICT platform for communicable disease management. This will be used by Public Health Inspectors of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Ministry of Health. The other solution is a NFC-based patient smart card system which will be initially used at the Kegalle District Hospital.

The management of communicable diseases is an absolute need in any country. The present 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 by 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 the three main entities is fast and efficient," a spokesman for the company said.

The application also ensures higher mobility, enabling nurses to update patient information directly from the hospital ward.

This type of 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 enables patient information such as prescriptions, laboratory reports and hospital stays, to be stored in one place and accessible at any given point. The patient card will work on cutting-edge NFC technology," he said.

Chief Minister for the Sabaragamuwa Province, Mahipala Herath said, "The public health sector has a great demand in this country. When meeting 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 method of improving the efficiency of the health sector. We are proud to be the pioneering partner of Mobitel on this important project."

Head of Business Solutions, Mobitel, Chamith Hettiarachchi said, "Mobitel continuously provides advanced, ICT solutions to customers. Sri Lanka provides a plethora of medical services free. We should be committed to improve and facilitate these free public services.

Mobitel having understood the importance of this, has taken steps to assist the industry."

"We will use our technology to upgrade the public health sector. At a time when the government is making an effort to implement a more efficient medical service, introducing this service will be appropriate," he said.

Regional Director, Ministry of Health, Sabaragamuwa Province, Dr. Indika Jagoda said, "The service launched by Mobitel with our Provincial Health Ministry will revolutionise the country's health sector. A majority of the public enjoy health services from government facilities.

Therefore, it is essential to manage the services properly using the latest technology."

"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," he said.