Stakeholders from the private and public sectors have completed a three day workshop to support the implementation of the National Information Systems for Health (IS4H) Policy.

The workshop aimed to strengthen the management of health related information in line with the Pan American Health Organisation’s (PAHO) renewed framework. Specific areas addressed included Knowledge Management, Public Health in e-Government, and the IS4H Maturity Model.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Ms. Petrona Davies explained that health information is an integral part of a well-functioning health system.

She said, “We are all keen to mobilise knowledge to improve efficiency, lower costs, facilitate communication and to provide evidence for policy and programme decisions with the ultimate goal of supporting better health outcomes for the people that we serve… So the Information Systems for Health Policy provides a broad framework for us to achieve those things.”

Mrs. Davies added, “The BVI is well positioned and continues to be innovative in our approach to health information management… [as] we are in fact the first country in the Caribbean to have approached policy development for information systems for health.”

The Permanent Secretary expressed gratitude to Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Irad Potter and Health Information Officer, Ms. Tracia Petersen for leading the project in this regard.

Meanwhile, Dr. Irad Potter explained that the interest in developing knowledge management is to promote understanding and opportunities for all partners involved in the health sector.

The sessions were facilitated by of PAHO’s Dr. Marcelo D’Agostino, Ms. Myrna Marti and Dr. Jose Francisco Salm Jr.

The workshops participants hailed from several ministries and departments including  the Ministry of Health and Social Development, the National Health Insurance Division, the Ministry of Education and Culture, the BVI Health Services Authority, Library Services, Environmental Health Division, Archives and Records Management Unit, Town and Country Planning Department, Premier’s Office, the Ministry of Finance, the Deputy Governor’s Office, the Ministry of Communications and Works, Civil Registry, the Social Security Board, Central Statistics Office and private healthcare providers.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development aspires to provide a caring and integrated system of health and social services that facilitates human development and quality of life in the British Virgin Islands.

Note: Photograph attached.

Caption: PAHO official, Dr. Marcelo D’Agostino facilitating the Information Systems for Health Policy Workshop. (Photo Credit: Ronnielle Frazer/GIS)