DHIS2 implementation in Nepal
Nepal is stepping into the world of the digital revolution. While most of the nations are quiet ahead from us, we are in the earlier stage of the digital era. Today I am going to talk about how/why is MoHP(Ministry of Health & Population) entering the digital era and what does it mean for a country like us.
Background:
Look at the above picture!
this is a monthly report of the major health service on the basis of the district on the paper forms. imagine how hard life was back then. The accuracy and reliability can't even be measured. since many paper-based data may have been lost, incorrectly written. No one would bother to cross-check fact on all papers.
Present:
MoHP(Ministry of Health & Population), Nepal now have emphasized on data entry using DHIS2. DHIS2 is a web-based tool developed by the University of OSLO which is implemented in more than 40 countries for analysis, storage and forecast of health-related information. MoHP(Ministry of Health & Population) has started to use this software in almost every facility of Nepal.
How is MoHP doing this?
MoHP along with various organizations is rigorously training all the health workers around the country to enable them for data entry and visualization of their own data. Various online video, manuals, on-site coaching staffs are deployed for making e-health successful across the country. This is a long process but almost all the facilities are covered until now.
What Does it mean for Country Like Nepal?
Most of the facilities now report on DHIS2, this impacts the impact that can be seen is huge. So, I have listed a few points on how is Nepal benefiting directly/indirectly from this.
low resource consumption
Previously, all the reporting was done on paper. To reach the paper-based form from the capital(Kathmandu) to various parts of the country, it would take months and the to and fro movement from providing paper to filling up the form and getting back to the capitals. The resource we are consuming in paper-based reporting:
1. Paper
2. Transport
3. Time
4. Human Resource
such a huge cost was spent on reporting.
Replacing this with laptops and internet connectivity may seem costlier in first but will be very cheap in the long run.
forecasting made easier
It would take 3 4 months to analyze data from the paper-based form. Now that it is made online you can analyze the data in a second. How amazing is that? The central governing body now can have real-time data on a click and predict what is coming in the next run.
improved facts and figure
Paper-based reporting is costlier the major cost associated with it is a mistake that humans can do in paper form. with the electronic form, the machine itself warns you if you make an error and helps in providing accurate data.
quality decision making
Previously, the Policymakers without any accurate data would have to do is guess. No data is equal to No decision. Now, Policymakers now can have accurate information to analyze on and provide a quality decision based on the information.
It is interesting we are going with the digital revolution. But it is challenging for nations like ours to keep our data safe & secure. People have very little knowledge of IT security may cost us in the near future. But Nepal is preparing for it and will tackle it in its own way. Let’s be hopeful.