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."
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