Health Bulletin 2009

facilities will need to create their own data communication system. For out-patient and
emergency departments, it is not wise at this moment to demand detail patient data. Due to
huge patient load in short OPD hours, it is hard to record data maintaining quality. Until finding a
right solution, it is decided to keep data need at minimum. Only number of daily visits in age and
sex-disagregated forms may be reliably obtained.
Health workforce statistics
The online PDS database system will be further improved. After launching of Internet, local
authorities will further be communicated to mobilize all health staffs to update individual PDS.
Support from MOHFW will be required. A baseline staff-census through active process may be
required. An integrated online system will be developed to update staffing status, viz.
sanctioned posts, existing staffs, staff leaving job, and vacancy statement. Initially a complete
listing of all posts, all existing staffs, all staffs in LPR will be done institute by institute, then each
institute will be asked to update online the specific areas of changes as and when they occur.
Automatic electronically generated reminder system will be developed and tracking of
compliance will be logged. Incorporation of private health workforce will remain as a challenge.
Assistance of BMDC, professional bodies, clinic associations and pharmaceutical industries
may appear effective to find solution.
Logistic statistics
Like the health workforce, initially a complete listing of the major equipment available in each
hospital along with their functional status will be prepared. Then, the information will be provided
in an online database. Respective hospitals will update the database from time to time when
any change in equipment profile will occur. Similar reminder and logging systems as for health
workforce will be developed.
Financial statistic
Perhaps it would be wise to consolidate the activities which are already in implementation phase
before starting too much for financial statistics. It is being thought that an online software be
prepared to track procurement process and item by item unit price spent by organizations.
Development and maintenance of DGHS web portal as a health information warehouse
The web portal of DGHS maintained by MIS (health) is playing key role in information
dissemination. However, it has more opportunities of collaboration and further development. A
dedicated smart person should be engaged to improve its information content and promotion.
Publications
MIS (health) started to publish a Year Book to report progress on different operational plans by
Line Directors of DGHS. MIS (health) also publishes reports on emeregncy obstetric care and
integrated management of childhood illness. The health bulletin is the yearly publication which
reflects the country's health situation. There are ample opportunities to improve the contents of
these publications with in-depth analysis and interpretation. Experts in research background and
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