The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, in
a public demonstration today hosted by His Majesty King Abdullah II, provided a
stunning look at the new integrated healthcare technology system being implemented
for the people of Jordan in the coming year. The project, named "Hakeem" to
symbolize the National E-Health Program in Jordan, is managed by the Jordanian
non-profit agency Electronic Health Solutions, with technology implementation and
integration provided by Perot Systems Corporation (NYSE:PER).
The demonstration was held at the Prince Hamzah Hospital, highlighting its VistA
open source clinical and healthcare information management system and the
Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS). Similar technology systems will also be
implemented at the Amman Comprehensive Clinic and King Hussein Cancer Center, as
part of the pilot healthcare transformation program for Jordan announced in
December, 2008.
"Today we can see the launch of King Abdullah II's vision of healthcare
modernization across the Kingdom of Jordan, which will provide for the highest
quality of healthcare available for our people," said Dr. Rami Farraj, Chairman of
Electronic Health Solutions and Private Physician of His Majesty the King. "The new
technology will provide a seamless journey of care for patients through our
healthcare system, from doctors' offices to clinics to hospitals. This is an
historic moment for healthcare in Jordan."
Jordan is recognized for its high standards of healthcare in the region as well as
its rapidly growing IT sector. King Abdullah II's vision is to continue to build on
these successes by establishing an effective, integrated national healthcare
infrastructure using a single software platform. This project goes hand in hand
with building an educational program around VistA's technical and clinical processes
with the goal of allowing Jordan to become self-sustainable in managing its health
management information system and enabling it to take this offering to their
neighbors in the region.
"Today's pilot in Jordan, to provide a modernized, integrated healthcare system
across the country, may well become the pilot for the rest of the region. Learning
from Perot Systems' past experiences, we have been able to avoid many of the
pitfalls, as we blend the best of technology and the best of medicine for the
benefit of our people," said Mr. Ghassan Al-Lahham, chief executive officer of
Electronic Health Solutions.
During the event today the Hakeem program team provided an update of what has been
accomplished since the project started late last year, and the "proof of concept"
demonstrations of how the system works. Specifically, the team highlighted system
functionality, including a graphic user interface developed specifically for the
Hakeem program; electronic medical records showing the holistic electronic patient
record which clinicians will access daily; interaction between the different modules
of the system in different departments including lab, pharmacy, radiology and
imaging; and Barcode Medication Administration (BCMA) to improve patient care and
safety.
"Perot Systems has been proud to support the Kingdom of Jordan for 10 months and be
part of the Hakeem team to help make the vision of Jordan's healthcare
transformation a reality," said Raj Asava, chief strategy officer for Perot Systems.
"Our dedicated associates, with extensive experience in large complex projects, have
been able to make the vision of an integrated healthcare technology system a reality
for the Kingdom of Jordan. We look forward to contributing to the Hakeem program as
it prepares to roll out to the rest of the country."
Speakers at the Prince Hamzah Hospital event today included Dr. Nayef AL-Fayez,
Minister of Health, Dr. Rami Farraj, Chairman of Electronic Health Solutions, and
Ghassan Al Lahham, CEO of Electronic Health solutions. Following the speakers, His
Majesty and a small entourage toured the Clinic for live demonstrations.
"From the outset this project has been one of the most exciting clinical
transformation initiatives in which we have participated globally. His Majesty's
vision is serving as a cornerstone for how nations can work together to meet the
needs of people not only across the region but throughout the world," said Dr. Kevin
Fickenscher, Executive Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Perot Systems
Healthcare Group. "Utilizing the VistA Electronic Health Record and a vast array of
customized technology solutions, the implementation should deliver improved clinical
outcomes for the citizens of Jordan."
© 2009 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
