DHA app: Medical history files now history

Soon it will be a fact: your electronic medical records.

UAE residents visiting any healthcare facility will do so without any paperwork involved, as the personal data of his/her medical file will be electronically available.

This was announced by the Dubai Health Authority at Gitex Technology Week 2013 yesterday.

Supported by Samsung and in corporation with Index Holding an agreement was signed to deliver the smart hospital within the next two years.

Each hospital will see the implementation of an electronic information system.

The Electronic Medical Record (EMR) is the total solution on the personal level, and this should be completed within one year, explained Director General Essa Al Maidoor.

Holding a thick paper file, the Director General says: “This is the current situation. This patient is only 40-years-old, imagine a 70-yearold patient's file."

The paperwork will be replaced and make place for electronic files, including all information regarding the patients' complications, medication, diagnosis etc.

The file can be accessed anywhere at any time through a smart phone and tablet application, confirms Andrew Chang, President and CEO of Samsung Middle East, Africa, India and Europe.

Currently the EMR will be compiled of data from DHA healthcare facilitities, but the DHA is hoping to include all medical facilities into the scheme.

"We will create incentives for private hospitals to join us in this effort," commented Al Maidoor.

"There is some information from private hospitals that can be included, such as medication of a patient. But in general personal data is kept confidential," he added.

However, the medical records will be accessible to other healthcare providers, as the patient himself will be able to access the file.

Whether receiving healthcare in the UAE, abroad, or in the ambulance, there will always be the opportunity to access the personal medical data required, he explained.

Beyond the personal level, doctors may access the files for research purposes.

The number of patients suffering from an illness will now easily appear through the electronic system, to which policies can be adapted.

It is a time and effort saving initiative, Al Maidoor explains, adding that doctors will be able to see more patients in a more efficient manner.