The Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission (ABDM) has been successfully integrated into several healthcare facilities in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). However, SKIMS Soura, the premier healthcare institution in the region, has yet to integrate its software with the ABDM, causing delays in the implementation of the government’s flagship programme. The integration was supposed to have been completed a year ago, but SKIMS has made little progress despite reminders from the concerned department.
Due to the lack of integration, SKIMS cannot provide seamless digital healthcare services, such as generating electronic medical records (EMRs) using the patient’s ABHA ID and launching the Scan and Share facility. SKIMS is currently conducting a security audit of its software, which should have been done earlier. The Medical Superintendent of SKIMS stated that the integration process cannot proceed without the security audit report, which is expected to be completed soon. However, there has been no timeline provided for the completion of the integration process. The ABDM aims to create an integrated digital health infrastructure and bridge the gap between diverse stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem. It aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and patient empowerment through secure medical record access, teleconsultation, e-pharmacy, and improved information on healthcare facilities and providers.
It is also important to ensure that rules and regulations do not become a hindrance to quality healthcare. Regulations should be designed in such a way that they do not impede the ability of healthcare providers to provide the best possible care to their patients. Rules and regulations should be based on evidence and should be periodically reviewed and updated to ensure that they are effective and relevant. SKIMS Srinagar is the only facility that performs many critical procedures, making it difficult for many patients to access their EMRs while travelling to other parts of the state and country. SKIMS is a top-notch specialised healthcare institution in the Kashmir region, and patients should not bear the brunt of bureaucratic obstacles.
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