His Majesty King Abdullah II on Friday commended the pilot phase of the “Hakeem” Program for the computerization of the health sector. During a visit to Prince Hamzah Hospital, His Majesty was briefed on the overall program and its pilot phase. Over the past two years, Hakeem provided the hospital with equipment and network, as well as programs and applications that were tailored to the requirements of the Jordanian health sector. The Program also included a comprehensive training component.
The King expressed pride in this important national achievement and called for the program to be rolled-out nationwide, at all facilities of the Ministry of Health, the Royal Medical Services, the King Hussein Cancer Center and University Hospitals.
Mr. John Chambers Chairman and CEO of Cisco, who accompanied the King during the visit, noted that the information and communications technology (ICT) sector in Jordan is witnessing impressive growth, and as a result Cisco is well placed to strategically partner with the government of Jordan to provide thought leadership in ICT-enabled healthcare solutions. He reaffirmed the company’s belief that the joint collaboration will facilitate accelerated growth of healthcare technology in Jordan. Mr. Chambers was impressed by the program "Hakeem" which is a start towards improving quality of care across Jordan.
In his presentation on the Hakeem Program, Mr. Ghassan Al Lahham, CEO of Electronic Health Solutions (EHS) highlighted the benefits of computerization in healthcare, including improved health services. The program, Mr. Al Lahham said, will also enhance Jordan's position as a destination for medical tourism, and create hundreds of jobs. "Hakeem" will improve healthcare services by reducing paper-work, shortening waiting time for patients, and enabling nurses and doctors to spend more time with patients, he said. He added that introducing the program at all hospitals and health centers in the Kingdom will take about six years.
Dr. Rami Farraj, Chairman of EHS, highlighted the potential of Jordan’s e-Health sector. “Jordan always played a pioneering role in health, education and technology. Therefore, it is only natural for Jordan to lead in the dissemination of health informatics throughout the Arab world.” Dr Farraj said the Hakeem Program was proof that “Jordan has the right model” to export e-healthcare regionally. However, for the e-healthcare sector to thrive, curricula need to be upgraded and human capacity need to be developed. “We will work with interested universities and colleges to add curriculum modules and courses in health informatics for medical students and to support IT students with health modules,” Dr. Farraj said.
Dr. Daifallah Al Lozi, Secretary General, Ministry of Health, said the ministry “is looking forward to implementing the program in all affiliated facilities due to the benefits that were witnessed during the pilot phase.” Dr. Al Lozi pointed out that the program will contribute to providing accurate information and reliable data to decision-makers in the health sector.
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