Gov’t medical lab is computerized

This morning the Minister of Health, Servulo Baeza launched the CLAB Information System at the Government Medical Lab. The computer network system provided by the Pan American Health Organization, PAHO, costs over sixty thousand U.S. dollars and comprises a number of computers and printers linked to a main server. The new system will facilitate and improve patient and data management within the laboratory services here in Belize. News Five was at the launching ceremonies.

Trudy Tillett, Ag. Director, Laboratory Services

“Patients entering into the system begin at log-in where they are coded and continued through the system only using a code. From this point on all the patients demographics are available only by the lab administration and authorized personnels. The samples are automatically coded as well. Thus confidentiality is insured by using sample and patient codes only in the lab.”

Servulo Baeza, Minister of Health

“I will also take this opportunity to enclose the new laboratory to press form which was used to show that relevant demographics data will be provided by health care providers using the lab service. The request form was approved by my Ministry after it was reviewed by key Ministry of Health personnels. This proper completion will provide accurate and reliable data for health management.”

Health officials say that while data is still being recorded manually right now, they expect the new CLAB system to start by next month.