eHEALTH-Dec-2011-[38-39]-We Look at Technology as Enabler, Not as Cost Centre-Dr Kirti M Patel

Leaders Speak

Dr Kirti M Patel Dean, Gujarat Cancer Society and Medical College (GCSMC)

“We Look at

Technology as

Enabler, Not as Cost Centre�

Gujarat Cancer Society (GCS) aims to create stream of value based medical professionals to reach a large part of the population by gradually implementing various ICT tools.

Dr Kirti M Patel, Dean, Gujarat Cancer Society and Medical College (GCSMC) throws some light on the initiatives taken by GCS towards transforming systems.

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december / 2011 www.ehealthonline.org

Leaders Speak

of trained medical professionals. Government of Gujarat had given 25 acres of land and at present MCI had given permission for 150 students’ admission in MBBS course annually.

ICT in the making

Gujarat Cancer Society (GCS) is a 50 year old charitable trust pioneering fight against cancer with the help of Government of Gujarat. In the year 1971 Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute (GCRI) was established as first public private partnership venture between GCS and Government of Gujarat where Governor of Gujarat presides over the organisation. GCRI is a regional cancer centre for western India. Our humble efforts are acknowledged at National and International level. More than five lakh people have benefited from services offered by GCRI. GCRI is running a super specialty course DM in Medical Oncology, MCh in Surgical Oncology and MD in Radiotherapy with B.J Medical College and Gujarat University. GCS has tremendous record of capabilities in health care, education, research and community services. Our expertise prompted Gujarat Government to invite us to start a healthcare facility to serve the under privileged citizens at affordable cost and create a stream

We have planned capacity of 800 beds of which more than 400 are operational. After one year of operation, now we cater to 700+ Out Patients and 200+ In-Patients daily. To manage this volume and to grow, we understand the importance of right ICT tools. Our core functions are managed by software which extends to support and provide auxiliary services very shortly.

We would even consider a ‘healthcare suite’ to proactively drive Hospital and College (150 MBBS seats) operations.

Next phase of our 25 acre campus wide networking is in progress and we have fibre optic backbone. We have applied very meaningful usage of technology tools and barcode is already generated on patient registration and most of the laboratory equipment is interfaced. All our state of the art diagnostic equipment contributes to effective healthcare delivery. In house competency is being built to take the ICT implementation to the next level.

ICT tools were helpful to have better inter departmental coordination, avoid duplication; reduce errors and appropriate record maintenance. We are yet to claim breakthrough innovations in method of treatment but far ahead of traditional treatment methods. Our campus already has made envious reputation for its excellent ambience, facility planning, eco friendly design and timely completion of the projects. We would be centre of excellence and role model for other institutes in the state and even in the country.

We look at technology as enabler, not as cost centre. To serve high volume of patients, integration of latest technology is very much essential; this would reduce our treatment cost per patient in the coming days. I do agree implementing technology do stress us on budget but with generous donors, we are sure we would make it.

NABH is doing a commendable job for the sector. While hiring professionals we do give preference to those from NABH accredited facilities. We have quite few on our board pioneered NABH accreditations at their previous institutes. As we are committed to quality healthcare and education, way ahead we would be a NABH and NAAC certified institute. In our old institute GCRI, our pathology department is NABH certified. We are yet to make a substantial impact through the ICT implementation applicable to emergency services. The world is watching us as a trend setter in affordable healthcare delivery with meaningful usage of right technology. More penetration of health care facilities is desired to reach whole population. december / 2011 www.ehealthonline.org

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