National Health Database launched to improve health information collection

A National Health Database designed to address issues of health data collection difficulties and harness data utilization has been launched in Accra. The platform which was developed under Ghana's Health Information System Strategic Plan (HISSP) will be managed by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to consolidate data from agencies under the ministry to support data-driven decision-making in the health sector. The launch of the health database marks the conclusion of the six-year USAID Health Systems Strengthening Accelerator Project in Ghana. Mr Alexander Akwasi Acquah, a Deputy Minister of Health who launched the digital database said the platform would pave the way for a healthier and more equitable future for Ghanaians. He said the development of the Health Information System Strategic Plan (HISSP) and the National Health Database, both supported by the accelerator, would revolutionise Ghana's approach to health data management. 'These tools will enhance data governance, accessibility, and utilization, la ying a solid foundation for evidence-based planning and policy formulation,' he said. Mr Acquah said the Accelerator Project, co-funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has been instrumental in improving universal healthcare. 'Through its strategic partnerships with local change agents and its focus on evidence-based interventions, the project has delivered remarkable outcomes across several critical areas of our health sector,' he said. The end of the Health Systems Strengthening Accelerator Project in Ghana also birthed the Health Facilities Regulatory Agency's Digitized Health Assessment platform which was also launched to harmonise and digitize the facility's registration tools. The Deputy Minister of Health said the platform would help do away with manual application systems and enable facilities to submit documents online which will be followed by physical inspection by HeFRA using a mobile tool. He said the accelerator s trengthened governance, improved equitable access to healthcare, and enhanced health information systems which would continue to shape Ghana's health sector for years to come. 'The capacity built, and the lessons learned through this collaboration, are invaluable assets that will drive continuous improvement and innovation in our health systems,' he said. Dr Stephen Duku, Health Financing Specialist at USAID, said the agency had supported the Ghana Health Service to develop a health promotion and prevention benefit package under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) benefit package. 'We are now working with the NHIA to finalise and cost this package, which will in turn enable the health system to focus on providing quality preventive and promotive care,' Dr Duku said. He said the USAID had also collaborated with the NHIA to launch a free annual health check for every Ghanaian on their birthday to help improve the early detection of hypertension and diabetes and boost enrolment in the national hea lth insurance scheme. Source: Ghana News Agency