September 2024
Mizoram State Cancer Institute (MSCI), a 60-bed government hospital, has taken a significant step towards improving healthcare delivery by implementing a Hospital Management Information System (HMIS) and Electronic Medical Records (EMR). This digital transformation marks a new beginning for MSCI, which previously operated on paper-based workflows. An HMIS installed in 2011 had become non-functional, leading the hospital to rely on manual processes. The need for digitization was driven by the necessity to enhance efficiency and data accessibility, critical in managing high patient volumes and improving care quality.
Mizoram faces a high cancer burden, particularly with lung, oesophageal, and stomach cancers, largely due to local dietary habits and high tobacco use. Cancer control is a state priority, but data limitations hinder analysis and research, as many patients seek treatment outside Mizoram. Resource constraints, including a shortage of oncologists, further challenge MSCI’s operations. To address this, the state is expanding its cancer care capacity through the Mizoram State Super-Specialty Cancer and Research Centre project, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which aims to increase MSCI’s capacity to 200 beds over the next five years.
MSCI has gone live with their HMIS and EMR systems, which are expected to streamline clinical workflows, improve data management, and enhance patient care. This transformation will allow quicker access to patient information, enabling more efficient clinical decision-making and personalized care. The new digital system will provide valuable insights that can be used to help address Mizoram’s cancer challenges and explore remote care options, such as teleconsultation.
MSCI’s digital journey shows how technology can transform healthcare, especially in resource-limited settings. As MSCI continues to expand its digital capabilities, it sets a powerful example for other institutions aiming to enhance healthcare delivery through technology.
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