By Llonella Gilbert

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) announced the modernization of the Bahamas health system by launching the Electronic Health Record (EHI), a digital record of patients’ health information, which will allow Primary Health Care Providers to operate more efficiently, effectively and improve and provide accessible quality healthcare.

During a press conference at the Village Road Professional Centre on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, Dr. Robin Roberts, Chairman of the NHIA Board explained that this is a “bold and ambitious” initiative being implemented for the National Health Insurance (NHI) program.

Some of the benefits that EHI will provide are:

   · Improved patient experience with your Primary Care Provider;

   · Enhanced security and patient privacy of sensitive health information;

   · The ability to book with your Primary Care Provider online;

   · Improved efficiency in booking and scheduling patient appointments, allowing providers to spend more time with their patients and provide better care; and

   · Access to a personal health portal which allows patients to learn more about their conditions and access personal education material to better manage their health.

The EHI will also soon enable providers to deliver healthcare services and consultations using digital telemedicine tools creating tremendous opportunities for those living in the Family Islands. Telemedicine will allow patients to access their Primary Care Provider without having to make lengthy and costly trips for certain conditions.

Graham Whitmarsh, Managing Director and CEO, NHIA made assurances that EHI will be properly private and secure. “I want to assure everybody that this adheres to the highest standards. The information itself is kept on encrypted server and access to that information is controlled by the physician and the patient.

Mr. Whitmarsh noted that permission needs be granted by the physician or the patient for others to access the personal medical records.