The Ghana Health Information Management System (GHIMS) has officially commenced its rollout at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) as it takes over from the Lightwave Health Information Management System (LHIMS).
After the exit of Lightwave, the company in charge of the Lightwave Health Information Management System (LHIMS), due to the non-renewal of their contract by the government, this rollout represents a pivotal beginning in the ongoing efforts to reestablish robust digital health information management systems within the facility and many others across the country. It is said to signify the health minister’s commitment to his assurance that GHIMS was on course to restore the health management system across.
After the expiration of the Lightwave’s contract on 31st December 2024, Ghana’s current Health Minister, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, stated that, among other reasons such as non-performance, refusal to grant administrative control, the percentage of payment made being more than the percentage of work done, and the non-fulfillment of certain terms of the contract, the Lightwave’s contract was not going to be renewed, giving way for the Ghana Health Information Management System (GHIMS) to take over Ghana’s health information management system.
The health information management system is a digital platform that contains the health records of patients of all facilities onboarded on the platform in order to ensure easy management and transfer of patients’ data between health facilities.
The national rollout of the new company, Ghana Health Information Management System (GHIMS), commenced at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, as the hospital’s management confirmed.
“Welcoming the National Rollout and Stabilization Team from the Ministry of Health at an entry meeting, the Chief Executive Officer of TTH, Dr. (Med.) Abubakari Bawah Abdulai, expressed delight at the hospital’s inclusion in the national rollout.”
Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH)
Dr. Abubakari Bawah Abdulai stressed that the GHIMS holds great significance for the Tamale Teaching Hospital, describing it as “very dear” to the institution. He further assured the implementation team of his unwavering personal commitment and pledged the hospital’s full support and cooperation throughout the rollout process, emphasizing its importance in enhancing healthcare delivery and digital transformation within the facility.
Dr. Bawah also highlighted that the initiative is in perfect alignment with management’s overarching vision to enhance operational efficiency and elevate the quality of healthcare services by embracing technology-driven solutions, adding that the hospital aims to streamline processes, reduce administrative burdens, and foster a more responsive and patient-centered environment.
He further emphasized that such innovations are essential for modernizing healthcare delivery and ensuring sustainable improvements across all departments and service areas.
“Ahead of the system’s deployment, the team from the Ministry of Health engaged key stakeholders, including central management, sub-BMC managers, and unit heads, to discuss the implementation strategy for critical areas.”
Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH)
According to the hospital’s management, on-site training sessions have officially commenced for staff members across selected departments and units within the facility, emphasizing that the sessions are designed to equip personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively utilize the new digital systems being implemented.
The management emphasized that the training is also targeted at ensuring hands-on experience, practical demonstrations, and interactive learning to ensure a smooth transition and foster confidence among staff as they adapt to the upgraded health information management infrastructure.
“The rollout of GHIMS at TTH demonstrates the Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh’s commitment to strengthening quality healthcare delivery through digital transformation.”
Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH)
The hospital’s management emphasized the importance of the newly implemented system, as it is anticipated to significantly enhance operational efficiency, reduce redundancies, and streamline administrative processes within the hospital by improving data accuracy and enabling real-time access to patient records, given its potential to support informed decision-making and better coordination among healthcare professionals.
The system is also noted to be designed to facilitate seamless service delivery not only within the hospital but also across affiliated healthcare institutions, fostering a more integrated and responsive healthcare ecosystem that ultimately benefits patients and providers alike.
It is expected that the Ghana Health Information Management System (GHIMS) rollout will continue at other health facilities in the coming days to relieve health professionals from having to go back to relying on the manual system after the exit of Lightwave and the eventual closure of its digital platform, the Lightwave Health Information Management System (LHIMS).
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