Health

Health: human resources, information, disease surveillance, pharmaceuticals, traditional medicine.

This summary is part of a research project carried out between March and October 2006 in support of the International Institute for Communication and Development (IICD), one of The Communication Initiative (The CI)'s partners.

The Science and Technology Master Plan identifies opportunities for the application of technology to address key sectoral issues in the Republic of Maldives. While the Master Plan covers such areas as economic and human resources, information technology, telecommunication, fisheries, education, tourism, transport and energy, this summary focuses on the potential of ICT applications in the health sector. Although the level of health in Maldives has improved dramatically over the past two decades, according to this plan there are still substantial disparities in the quality and level of health care available throughout the islands which can be improved upon through the use of ICT.

Human Resources

The Maldives health system suffers an acute shortage of trained healthcare workers, attributed mainly to difficulties in providing initial and continuing health education locally and identified as the major constraint for quality healthcare service delivery. Greater access to the internet and telemedicine for distance learning and consultation, provision of video recorders for capturing education sessions and role-playing, and the use of computer-assisted learning materials such as interactive CD-ROMs, virtual laboratories and simulation models as study aids would facilitate initial, in-service, and continuing education and training of health care providers and enable an improved standard of healthcare in Maldives.

Health Information System

Though data is collected at all levels of the healthcare system, this data is often not reliable and is seldom analysed or used to improve the effectiveness of management-level decision-making. The development of a computer database and network for health information at all levels of the healthcare system would ensure greater access to and accuracy and tracking of patient information, and would allow cross-classification of data for research, planning, and management purposes. Inter-sectoral computer networks, with adequate security protocols, should also be established with other ministries and the private sector in order to facilitate information sharing. Health personnel must be trained in the use of databases, the interpretation of data and its application to effective management and planning.

Disease Surveillance

There is a need to establish a disease surveillance system that can be accessed by health workers throughout Maldives. This system will enhance the country’s capability to adequately identify and track disease patterns and alert the Ministry of Health of potential disease hazards whenever necessary.

Pharmaceuticals

An information system is required that can identify the amount and type of pharmaceuticals entering the country and track their distribution and application within the health system. Such a system can serve to stem problems of mis- and over-prescription of pharmaceuticals. Additionally, an information technology (IT) framework and database providing standardised lists of criteria and symptoms warranting the prescription of particular drugs would protect both the patient and health professional.

Traditional Medicine

Dhivehi Beys traditional medicine is a dying art not fully understood by contemporary health professionals. In order to revive Maldive’s traditional medicine, IT must be utilised to catalogue the herbs used and to document the traditional therapies and treatments before this knowledge is lost.

Title: Republic of Maldives Science and Technology Master Plan - Health
Year: 2001
Publication: Ministry of Communication, Science and Technology
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Relevant Links:
Maldives Ministry of Communication, Science and Technology
Ministry of Communication, Science and Technology National Computer Center (NCC)
International Telecommunication Unit (ITU): ICT Country Case Studies - Maldives
Development Gateway - Maldives search results