By César Orta (*)
Even though the Health Services of Zacatecas (SSZ) have reported significant progress in digitalizing the records of their users, the head of the agency, Raul Estrada Day, believes that the creation of a universal health record would not be viable within the State.
The official stated that the proposal to create a digital health record that can be consulted by every health institution in Zacatecas would be a complicated and costly activity as it would require an investment of at least 155 million Mexican pesos.
In addition to the acquisition of cards with the records loaded on them – which cost about 150 Mexican pesos – a new platform would have to be contracted, new software installed and staff would need training.
“I don’t think it’s viable for several reasons, the cost is very high, the IMSS and the ISSSTE are federal entities and local legislatures don’t have authority over them: sometimes there are very interesting ideas but they need further study,” he said.
Major progress for 2015
With regard to the digital records, which they have been working on for several years, Estrada Day stated that the State is one of the most advanced in this area. In fact, it is estimated that the SSZ will have its users’ files completely digitalized by 2015.
The state official explained that all the first level files – for basic consults – have already been fully digitalized and the second level files – specialties – are 55% complete.
“The digitalization of clinical files makes faster and more efficient access possible for patient care. Instead of having a paper file we have a database and so any doctor can treat a patient and see diagnoses and treatments,” said Estrada Day.
Finally, the director general of SSZ said that the hospitals of Fresnillo and Zacatecas have seen even greater progress; in community hospitals the digitalization work was more difficult but it is expected that it will be finished by 2015.
(*) The author’s article was originally published on ImagenZac.
