Unique code to be developed to capture patient’s medical history

Incorporation of such a comprehensive terminology in the EHR requires understanding of the underlying concept model, various levels at which clinical information can be effectively represented, and cross-mapping to other international vocabulary standards.

The Union Health Ministry has designated the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune, to run the National Release Centre, for distribution and management of SNOMED CT within India.

The National Release Centre (NRC) recently held a workshop on Introduction to SNOMED CT.

"This workshop has provided a platform for the users and implementers to comprehend SNOMED CT, its implementation, underlying concept model, levels at which clinical information can be effectively represented and mapping to other international vocabulary standards," an official of the C-DAC said.

It was attended by medical professionals, researchers, hardware software manufacturers and system integrators.

The workshop was a part of a series of interactive workshops being hosted by Apollo Hospitals and NRC across the country to give fillip to usage of SNOMED CT in the healthcare IT sector.

"India today is on the verge of major transitions in the field of Healthcare IT. For moving towards an Integrated Healthcare System, the intent is to introduce a uniform system for maintenance of Electronic Medical Record or Electronic Health Record by the hospitals and healthcare providers, and enable unique EHR for each individual in the country," Arvind Sivaramakrishnan, Chief Information Officer, Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Ltd said.