Health Information System Seminar

As part of the IT-EXPO requirement and alternative class, I attended the Health Information System (HIS) Seminar held at Asian Institute of Management (AIM), Makati. 

Asian Institute of Management just in front of Greenbelt 1

When we (me and my friends) first arrived at AIM, we were relieved to see a parking lot beside the building. However, the guard on duty did not allow us to park the car and told us to park somewhere else instead. Luckily, AIM was just in front of Greenbelt 1 so we went there and easily found a parking space.

GDLC room where the seminar was conducted

Surprisingly, there were many unfamiliar faces at the HIS Seminar which I thought will be for us IT-EXPO students only but there were many guests representing different companies.  

The first speaker was Mr. Alberto Romualdez, M.D. who talked about Reforming the Philippine Health System for Universal Health Care. First off, he identified the most important health problem in the Philippines which is the inequity in health outcomes whether it be in urban or rural areas. 

Currently, the Philippine government doesn't have an Information System that covers the health department. So, Mr. Romualdez hopes that someday the government will implement a National Health Information System.

The next and last speaker was Mr. Alvin Marcelo. He expounded on ways to establish a responsive national Health Information System. There are five elements that are important: governance, human resources, regulation, financing, and services. But according to him, "Everything emanates from good governance."

Key Messages:

• Health information is the glue that keeps the health system together.
• Governance of health information is a fundamental requirement for a responsive health system.
• A simple standards-based information architecture is crucial for adoption.
• Capability building programs must be offered to fast-track health information systems development.

The procedures and components that are used in Health Information System.

Possible modules and users of HIS (photo grabbed from Mr. Marcelo's presentation)

To end the seminar, there was an Open Forum for audience to ask questions

Dr. Ramon Patero (Open Forum facilitator) beside Mr. Marcelo who explained and answered questions 

To the delight of all seminar participants, there were snacks prepared after the seminar. As Mrs. Arcilla said, our mind and most especially our stomach were so full after the HIS talk. :D

Fish fillet, Calameres, and Pork Barbeque!! 

With my blockmates/blockfriends/companions ☺

The Health Information Systems Seminar was very comprehensive since both speakers elaborated on a broad aspect of the field. They explained the problems, solutions, and the effect that Health Information Systems will bring to the society. Not only that, they were also able to suggest possible programs or modules that can be implemented which will make a huge impact to the nation. 

Upon entering the lobby, we were first greeted by two receptionists (wow, sosy!) and the institutes' huge logo (picture at the right). I was surprised at how it doesn't feel like a school but a professional working place instead. I guess the reason behind this type of setting is to train and make graduate school students feel like they're already professionals and not just students.