The NIIHS consists of two parts: the Healthcare Integrated Platform (HIP) acts as the communication and integration infrastructure, while the External Healthcare Provisioning Applications and Systems provide an interface for stakeholders.

Healthcare Integrated Platform (HIP)

Providing an ICT backbone for the healthcare system, this healthcare integration platform is built of multiple components that are interconnected but can be added or removed from the system as necessary. The following are integral components of the system:

Electronic Healthcare Record Management System (EHR)

This component acts as a clinical data repository and management system, and will have a central position in the healthcare IT system. Its comprehensive storage and data management system will benefit patient care throughout the country, allow the Ministry of Health to monitor health care and identify medical research priorities, provide a means for sanitary and infectious disease control, and provide information for health education and training.

Electronic Population Register (EPR)

Useful for clinical and administrative purposes, this central population register can be linked to electronic healthcare records to create information with a wide range of applications, including the collection of health, electoral and population statistics.

Health Resource Register (HRR)

This component enables sophisticated management of a range of healthcare resources such as medical equipment, physical resources, and healthcare professionals. Such management can contribute significantly to patient care.

Terminology Service

This service provides a central database of medical notation standards used in health systems and their attendant codes and descriptions, enabling medical notation translation and validation.

NIIHS Portal

This portal allows access to medical information for patients and healthcare professionals. The portal’s on-line conference function provides the means for e-learning and telemedicine, allowing healthcare professionals to gain information and knowledge of medical procedures, treatment, and diagnosis.

Service Integration Component

This integrated communication and information infrastructure provides the means for component integration, ensures data integrity, and allows information access and communication between stakeholders. By connecting all elements of the healthcare system, this component enables improved healthcare service.

Used together, these components will allow for cost-effective information management, free exchange of data, and optimal healthcare service delivery. Key benefits include the facilitation of healthcare regulation and legislation development, the development and monitoring of training curricula for health professionals, control of healthcare licenses and certificates, and the collection of reliable statistical data.

External Healthcare Provisioning Applications and Systems

A wide range of healthcare providers can connect their systems to the Healthcare Integration Platform (HIP) to create a truly integrated healthcare system. Such users can include traditional healthcare providers such as midwifery posts, rural medical centres, and hospitals, but also scientific research institutes, educational institutes, pharmacies, or relevant government departments. Under government control and coordination, external healthcare centres can also connect to the HIP by adapting their systems and applications to the system’s technical standards.