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The government is taking steps to implement digital health cards for every Bangladeshi to eliminate storing paper prescriptions and medical test records. Creating a centralised digital database allows for streamlining the medical information access process and improves overall patient care.
To improve the efficiency of medical care, each patient will be given an electronic health card which stores all the information about their doctor's visits, health conditions, and test results. This digital card will replace the more traditional paper records and allow doctors to easily access patients' medical history whenever they visit local hospitals or clinics. It will lead to more effective and personalised patient care.
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) is on a mission to transform how we manage patient data beginning January 2024. This idea will turn our traditional paper-based system upside down by introducing a cutting-edge digital database.
This initiative will give every patient a sleek new card full of crucial info like appointment schedules, medical history, test results, and more. No more fumbling with bulky files or misplaced documents – just one easy-to-carry card that grants doctors instant access to your entire medical profile whenever you visit them.
It's like having our personalised, high-tech medical assistant always at hand. It is initially launching across two districts - Gopalganj's Muksudpur and Manikganj'sSingair Upazila.
Conceptually, it's an incredibly efficient approach. There are online and offline options for registering for health cards through a new website only with our NID or passport number. The registration process is free of cost.
A 'Health ID Number' is provided for storing health-related data throughout a person's life, forming a comprehensive health profile that can be used across all hospitals nationwide.
However, anything digitally dependent entails certain privacy concerns: The storage of sensitive medical information in a centralised database carries potential risks if measures for protection are not implemented.
Unauthorised access or data breaches undermine trust in the system, leading to reluctance among individuals to participate. The possibility of healthcare providers mishandling personal health data intentionally or accidentally raises concerns. Finding the sweet spot between maintaining security and ensuring easy access to critical information is crucial.
Another aspect we should consider is that the success of the digital health card system depends on the general public's level of digital literacy. If too many people lack the necessary skills to utilise such a system, it could result in inequalities and inconsistencies in receiving healthcare services.
For the smooth operation of the digital health card system, reliable high-speed internet connectivity and robust technological infrastructure are crucial. However, rural regions might struggle with these issues more than urban areas due to existing infrastructure limitations.
This can further highlight the economic disparities. Simply put, not everyone can access the devices (smartphones or computers) required to manage their digital health cards. This could potentially create disparities in healthcare access based on economic factors.
Rural areas may face challenges accessing and utilising digital health cards due to a lack of infrastructure and resources, exacerbating healthcare inequalities.
Additionally, the system's heavy reliance on technology creates potential weaknesses that can lead to technological mishaps, system malfunctions, or periods of unavailability (downtime).
Such incidents may compromise the delivery of healthcare services and detrimentally affect patient care.