SCB Medical College Struggles to Digitize Patient Records
Cuttack: The Medical Record Department at SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCB MCH) remains in disarray as it awaits digitization—a promise made three years ago. The department houses thousands of patient records, some dating back over four decades, in a largely unorganized manner. Despite the pressing need for modernizing this crucial aspect of healthcare management, the process has yet to commence.
The department's vast collection of paper records includes documents that have been carelessly stacked, creating significant challenges in retrieving essential information. Historical mismanagement has compounded the issue. The 1999 Super Cyclone inflicted severe damage, destroying numerous critical documents. More recently, a fire in April 2019 further devastated the archive, turning many invaluable records to ashes, reports the Daily.
The current state of the department not only hampers the hospital's operational efficiency but also causes frustration for patients, police, and hospital staff who struggle to locate essential medical histories amidst the voluminous paperwork.
Recognizing the dire need for improvement, SCB MCH authorities submitted a formal request to the Health and Family Welfare Department in September 2021, advocating for the digitization of the medical record department. The aim was to streamline access to patient records, enhance data security, and improve overall service delivery. However, despite the submission, no action has been taken to date.
A retired hospital staff told The New Indian Express, “It is a matter of concern that the state government is not initiating any steps to digitize the record room of SCB MCH even till now. Once digitized, it will be helpful in preserving important documents without any hassle and save a lot of time. Besides, they can be accessed with just a click.”
Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling recently visited SCB Medical College and underscored the importance of transitioning to a paperless system. He highlighted the need for online accessibility of patient records, which would save time and ensure the safety and longevity of crucial health data.
The continued reliance on physical records not only impedes efficient healthcare delivery but also poses significant risks, as evidenced by past disasters. With the current technological advancements and the growing need for quick and reliable access to patient information, digitizing medical records is a critical step forward. The call for action from Minister Mahaling is a hopeful sign, but the implementation of such a system remains crucial.
