The Ministry of Health has announced a major initiative to improve healthcare through the development of a digital health system focused on modernizing the management of non-communicable diseases and enhancing patient record-keeping. This new system will automatically deliver health information via SMS to patients’ phones.
Currently, the Maldives lacks a centralized system for accessing individuals’ health information, complicating efforts to monitor public health and maintain accurate records. This often results in repeated tests when patients switch hospitals, wasting both time and resources.
The proposed digital health system will enable public and private healthcare facilities to maintain comprehensive medical records for each patient. Patients will receive test results directly on their phones, streamlining the process. The Ministry notes that the system will facilitate online appointment scheduling and consultations, creating a complete medical history from childhood onward.
To develop the National Digital Health Architecture Blueprint, the Ministry of Health has conducted workshops to gather insights from healthcare providers, policymakers, technical experts, and other stakeholders. They also plan to seek public input before finalizing the blueprint.
In collaboration with the World Health Organization and the Asian Development Bank, the Ministry aims to foster a culture of early disease prevention, marking a significant national effort to combat chronic diseases.