I remember back in late 2009, the National Blood Transfusion Service ran out of blood bags and had only expired stock that they could not use to collect and store blood.
Back then, it became quite a major issue primarily because, as a country, we have always had a problem with collecting sufficient blood in voluntary donations to satisfy the needs of our sick and those requiring emergency care.
When I heard the announcement from the National Health Fund (NHF) late last year that the agency would be moving towards putting things in place for the development of a National Health Insurance Plan (NHIP) I was a little sceptical.
After all, administration after administration had said this very same thing but nothing ever came to fruition.
I was heartened when I recently saw that the NHF requested submissions for a consultant to examine and begin the process.
If, as a country, we are serious about improving the health of our population, there has to be a focus on technology-driven health literacy and access.
Technology can significantly enhance and promote health literacy, leading to improved behaviour necessary for better health outcomes.
With the growing use of the Internet by Jamaicans, wider cell phone usage and availability of affordable data plans, we have a real opportunity here.
Last week, I read a story in The Star about a mother of eight who said she had a tubal ligation at one of our public hospitals after her eighth child but had two subsequent pregnancies.
Interestingly, she challenged the hospital, and according to the report, the facility said it could find no record of her being a patient despite her children being born there, as shown on their birth certificates.
Last week, my company was involved in the Medical Association of Jamaica's (MAJ) annual symposium, which allowed businesses in the field of health care to display their latest product offerings.
I was pleased to see a few involved in health technology like myself. It tells me that the market is really changing as we are beginning to embrace technology more and more and understanding its importance to the health-care business.
When I heard about the sudden death of Acting Commissioner of Police Winchroy Budhoo, I immediately thought of all the good members of the security forces who continue to make tremendous sacrifice to protect and serve us.
The following week there was a report that a correctional officer allegedly shot and stabbed his wife during a domestic dispute.
Let's be real, to be part of the law-enforcement team in this country means a tremendous amount of stress.
Leading Jamaican technology company, Advanced Integrated Systems (AIS) is set to introduce its locally developed insurance adjudication system to the United States.
A Jamaican technology platform, developed by Advanced Integrated Systems, (AIS), is currently being marketed in India and expectation is that its use in that country may bring millions in revenue to Jamaica.
KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Minister of Health, Dr Christopher Tufton, says the use of modern technology in the country's health institutions augurs well for the continued development of the sector.Speaking at the official launch of the Medical Practice Management System (PAS-MD) at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, yesterday, Tufton said improved technology, once used appropriately, will result in faster turnround time and satisfied clientele.
Kingston, Jamaica - May 09, 2017 – The Caribbean’s leading healthcare technology provider, Advanced Integrated Systems (AIS) today launched its Medical Practice Management System...
