Dear Editor,
India, as a developing nation with a massive population of 1.43 billion,[1] has made great strides in the healthcare system in recent years; still, there is much work to be done. One such area is a comprehensive system of health records to ensure every citizen’s quality healthcare. At present, an individual carries a bag-full document of medical history whenever and wherever they go, which is inconvenient and potentially dangerous. People do not have a regular healthcare provider and even those who have may see multiple providers over a period, creating difficulties for healthcare providers to get a complete and detailed picture as well as management. On arrival at healthcare institute, one initially provides all basic demographic information at the registration counter. People speak different languages and come from various socio-economic backgrounds.
The importance of a unified health record card system cannot be overstated. A health record serves as a repository of a patient’s medical history, including information about past illnesses, allergies, and medications. This information would provide doctors with quick access to a patient’s medical history, reducing the risk of misdiagnosis or improper treatment. Especially in cases where the patient is unconscious or unable to provide medical history, doctors may not have all the information they need to provide the best care. Without this information, patients may receive incorrect or ineffective treatment, which can lead to serious health consequences. Moreover, a unified health record card system could address the issue of medical fraud in India and improve the national economy. With a centralized system, it would be much easier to track medical procedures and prescriptions, ensuring that patients receive the care they need and that healthcare providers are not engaging in fraudulent practices. By creating a transparent and efficient system, we can upgrade the quality of healthcare for all Indians.
How this centralized repository information system can be implemented? One option is to establish a national health record database, like those in most developed countries. To achieve this, we must utilize technologies such as electronic health records (EHRs) and mobile apps to store and access health records. This would enable patients to access their records from anywhere and at any time, eliminating the need for physical cards that may be lost or damaged. However, this approach has several drawbacks. For one, it can be difficult to ensure privacy and security of such database, especially given the prevalence of data breaches in recent years. Additionally, such a system may be prohibitively expensive to implement and maintain. Of course, implementing such a rigorous system of health record is not without its challenges. To ensure the security and privacy of these cards, they could be equipped with a microchip or QR code that contains the patient’s information. Healthcare providers can make additions to the record as and when required as well as patients can update their own information. Whenever any healthcare provider wants to access, add, or amend any information in any cards, it would be possible only with the biometrics of that patient. Another challenge is ensuring that patients keep their cards up to date. This could be achieved through a combination of education and incentives, such as discounts on healthcare services for patients who keep their cards up to date. The system should be accessible to every citizen irrespective of geographical location, socioeconomic strata, or education which can be achieved on public–private partnership (PPP) model. The system should be user-friendly, and the information should be in standardized format and interface that is easy to navigate.
A more practical solution is to implement a system of physical health record cards that patients carry with them. The cards would contain complete information on patients’ health starting from birth history and immunization status till recent follow-up including latest investigations and prescriptions (as described in enclosure). It is imperative to keep track of the health records of everyone. Health record cards are a simple and effective way to achieve this goal.
Indian healthcare system faces several challenges, like inadequate infrastructure, shortage of healthcare professionals, and low health literacy among the general population. The lack of a proper health record system adds to these challenges. Here are some of the reasons why India needs a unified health record card system:
Easy access to medical history: Health record cards allow easy access to an individual’s medical history. This is especially useful in emergency situations where quick access to medical history can save lives.
Better coordination among healthcare providers: With health record cards, healthcare providers can easily share medical information about a patient. This leads to better coordination among healthcare providers and avoids duplication of tests and procedures.
Improved patient outcomes: Health record cards allow for better monitoring of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension. This can lead to improved patient outcomes by providing timely interventions.
Better public health planning: Health record cards can help in public health planning by providing data on disease patterns and prevalence. This information can be used to design targeted public health interventions.
Health record cards should be designed keeping in mind the diverse population of India. Here are some of the features that health record cards should have:
Multilingual health record cards should be available in multiple languages to cater diverse population.
Simple design: Design of the card should be simple and easy to understand. It should include basic information, such as name, age, and address.
Medical history: Health record card should include medical history, such as past illnesses, allergies, surgeries, and medications.
Immunization records: Immunization records should also be included in the card. This will help in tracking the immunization status of children and adults.
Emergency contact: The health record card should include emergency contact information, such as phone number and name of the contact person.
Privacy: Health record cards should have strong privacy protections to ensure that personal health information is not misused.
Accessible: Health record cards should be accessible to everyone, including those who are not computer-literate. This can be achieved by making the card available in print and online formats.
Finally, health record card should prioritize accessibility, inclusivity, standardization, data privacy, and security to ensure the privacy and security of patient information. Patients must be assured that their personal health information is secure and confidential. This can be achieved through the implementation of robust security protocols, such as encryption and access controls, as well as training healthcare providers on best practices for data privacy and security.
CONCLUSION
Indian healthcare needs a dose of modernization with a comprehensive system of unified heath record card. By providing healthcare providers with comprehensive and accurate medical records, patients can receive better coordinated care and improved health outcomes. With features such as bilingualism, simple design, medical history, immunization records, emergency contact, and accessibility, the health record card can cater to the diverse population of India. While there are challenges to overcome, implementing this system will be a major step toward improving the healthcare system of the country. As a nation, we must prioritize the development of such a system and work together to make it a reality, so that we can provide quality healthcare that truly serves the needs of all our patients.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
REFERENCE
- 1. Available from: https://www.statista.com/statistics/263766/total-population-of-india/