Faster diagnosis at GPHC with telepathology project

Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony (Photo: News Room/December 23, 2022)

The project is important because this system would significantly reduce wait time for results, therefore making diagnosis and treatment options available sooner.

Meanwhile, the telemedicine programme will be expanded to more remote community health centres. By the end of June, some 20 more centres will be utilising the programme in Regions One, Eight, and Seven.

Similar to the telepathology programme, telemedicine allows community health workers based at health centres to access the expertise of doctors and other professionals in Georgetown through phones, laptops connected to the internet, and other electronic devices.

Further, the health sector is undergoing a massive transformation to include digital record keeping. Dr. Anthony announced that the legislation for an electronic data system for the health sector is also slated to be presented to the National Assembly. This system will have data saved on one system but accessible at all healthcare facilities, making access to patient information easier.

“It is a very comprehensive piece of legislation that will lay the legal foundation for the electronic health record system in the country,” Dr. Anthony said.