Patients' medical history to be compiled electronically

Dubai: The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) on Monday announced plans to implement a new Electronic Record System, which will for the first time, compile a patient's medical history, including prescriptions and test results.

Qadi Saeed Al Murooshid, director-general of the DHA, said a clinical data depository will store all patient information. "The aim is to use this system across Dubai, in both private and public hospitals. Initially, we will use it in DHA hospitals and health clinics."

The system will be operational in 2012.

"Presently we have an electronic system, but this [new] system will be state-of-the art that will greatly benefit the patients who visit our hospitals and health centres," he said.

Al Murooshid briefed His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, during their tour of the Arab Health Congress.

Al Murooshid also gave the leaders an overview of the progress made in the Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital project where work began in June 2009 and the Al Maktoum Emergency and Trauma Centre in Jebel Ali.

The hospital was ordered to be built by Shaikh Mohammad as a gift to the children of the UAE.

Al Murooshid said that the project is being implemented on a priority basis to benefit the children of the UAE and the region. "As per your vision, it will be built as the state-of-the-art paediatric hospital to serve the children of Dubai and the region and provide them the latest medical care available," he said.

The 200-bed hospital is located in the Al Wasl hospital premises. The director general said the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2011 and he also highlighted that the project won the prestigious ‘Future Health Project' award at the World Architecture Festival.

The dedicated paediatric hospital is the only ongoing project of its kind in the region and will cater to children from birth up to 14 years of age, and in some cases up to 16 years of age.