The County Government of Nakuru plans to automate its laboratory information and inventory management systems to help address challenges of data insecurity and documents damage.
Governor Susan Kihika said they were exploring a modern system whose key features will include workflow and data tracking, flexible architecture, data exchange interfaces, data mining, data analysis and electronic laboratory notebook (ELN).
Kihika observed that effective laboratory information and inventory management systems facilitate easy record keeping, tracking and reporting, which will help in eliminating the risks of human error and improving the overall turnaround time.
“We are envisaging a platform that will be a solution that works fast and facilitates seamless communication between scientists, businesses, laboratories, and the public,” said Kihika.
The automated system, according to the Governor will not only reduce the need for manual data input, but also alleviate bottlenecks and streamline workflows within the health department.
While affirming her commitment to leave a legacy in the health sector, Kihika said she has prioritized improvement of health facilities to ensure access to affordable and quality medical services for the people of Nakuru.
She assured the residents that her team will through public-private partnerships upgrade diagnostic equipment at all the public health facilities across the County.
Kihika noted that the upgrading of old and building of new sub-county hospitals will save residents the trouble of travelling to the county referral hospital in Nakuru for specialized services such as surgical procedures.
The Governor announced that her administration was working on several strategic partnerships to provide residents with convenient and subsidized access to medical consultations through telemedicine.
“Telemedicine, the remote diagnosis and treatment of patients by means of telecommunications technology has gradually become acceptable. With the new normal and preventive measures in place, telemedicine might be the antidote to patient care,” added Kihika.
Speaking in her office during a meeting with a delegation from ElsMed Healthcare led by its Chief Executive Officer Yaren Farachi, the Governor said global healthcare innovations, leveraging telecommunications technology, have reduced physical patient-to-doctor consultation.
Kihika further said the partnership with ElsMed Healthcare was intended to roll out a telemedicine system where healthcare managers will take patients through preliminary assessments and assign them to a doctor for a consultation session.
She said her government was keen on telemedicine systems where if a prescription is required, one will be issued by the doctor and will be sent directly to one of various partnering pharmacies or directly to the patient.
With Mental health becoming an increasing and rising concern in the country, Kihika said telemedicine systems would incorporate teams of counsellors to assist patients experiencing acute stress and anxiety via telephone and also make referrals to specialists or to laboratories for further investigations.
The proposed partnership with ElsMed Healthcare, Kihika indicated will include building up a new mother-baby training simulation center meant to reduce adverse maternal outcomes during childbirth.
By Esther Mwangi
