Makueni County has launched an advanced health management information system dubbed, "Afya Makueni" at the county referral hospital.
This new system replaces the outdated manual processes, which were inefficient and reliant on stand-alone, opaque systems.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr who officially inaugurated the system on Monday, hailed the launch as a significant milestone in improving healthcare services within the county.
He emphasized that this initiative aligns with his administration's agenda of automation and digitisation, as outlined in the County's CIDP 2023-27.
Governor Kilonzo described "Afya Makueni" as a groundbreaking effort aimed at revolutionising healthcare management and delivery in the county.
He highlighted key areas of focus for the new system, noting that it would enhance accountability in the use of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical services provided by county facilities.
Dr Paul Musila, the County Health Executive Committee Member (ECM), explained that the system will interconnect all healthcare facilities, ensuring a seamless flow of information to enhance patient care, streamline operations, and boost overall efficiency.
He also pointed out that the move towards a paperless environment will lead to more efficient administrative procedures and improved patient care.
Once fully implemented, the centralised system will eliminate the need for patients to register multiple times across different facilities. For instance, a patient registered in Mtito Andei will not need to register again at Makueni County Referral Hospital (MCRH) or any other facility.
The system will provide a comprehensive view of patient histories, including previous treatments, medications, and allergies, aiding in better diagnosis and treatment plans.
Additionally, the system will facilitate inter-facility borrowing of healthcare commodities, further enhancing resource utilisation and service delivery across the county. The project is a joint implementation between the ICT and health departments.