The National Data Repository (NDR) stands as a pivotal tool in the comprehensive management of HIV care within Nigeria. However, concerns have surfaced regarding documentation gaps that can result from the identification and service provision for clients who, due to travel or relocation, find themselves in a different state or location from their primary healthcare facility. This documentation gap not only escalates healthcare delivery costs but also risks the duplication of client records within the national program.
In response to these pressing concerns, PHIS3, with funding support from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, has initiated a comprehensive Patient Identity Management System (PIMS). This system is poised to revolutionize the way we address these challenges.
A fundamental consideration in developing this systematic identification solution for clients in HIV care was the need to be able to identify clients wherever they go to receive services using unique identifiers or traits. This approach ensures that care is consistently and accurately delivered to the right individuals in the new site. Hence by providing the means for clients to access antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) anywhere in the country, the PIMS system is set to enhance healthcare service delivery significantly.
Now, when a patient seeks healthcare at any facility, a biometric search will effectively pinpoint the right record in the patient database. This search confirms with a high degree of certainty whether a patient’s record already exists in any facility providing Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) services in the country. Services can then be provided to this client and documented on PIMS platform thereby allowing the primary clients to be able to retrieve this information.
This system eliminates the need for time-consuming manual verification through calls to a patient’s primary facility. It dramatically reduces the chances of creating duplicate health records for patients already in the system, and subsequently minimizing the risk of overlooking crucial medical data necessary for proper treatment.
Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with PHIS3 and other implementing organizations, is currently piloting the Patient Identity Management Systems (PIMS) in select healthcare facilities. Following the successful pilot phase, the plan is to expand this transformative system to additional facilities across the country.
The Patient Identity Management System (PIMS) promises to accelerate patient authentication, reduce costs associated with medical errors, and bring unprecedented convenience and efficiency to healthcare service delivery for HIV patients throughout Nigeria, regardless of their initial facility of registration. This initiative underscores the unwavering commitment of the Government of Nigeria, in partnership with its implementing partners, to continually elevate the standards of care and enhance public health outcomes. It’s a pivotal step towards ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of comprehensive and effective healthcare for all.
