Chandigarh: A long-awaited leap into the digital age for the PGI has hit a major roadblock. The ambitious project to fully digitalise the hospital and its records, entrusted to C-DAC Noida, was derailed after the agency reportedly backed out of its all-inclusive agreement, now offering only software for the Hospital Information System (HIS) Version 2. This unexpected turn effectively halted the much-needed upgrade from the 2007 Version 1.Sources in the premier institute said the ambitious project, intended to digitalise all hospital operations and patient records, was derailed after C-DAC Noida, the agency initially entrusted with the task, reneged on its comprehensive agreement. Renegotiations with C-DAC Noida are underway, but the timeline for resolving this critical issue remains uncertain. When PGI officials were questioned about the prevalent situation, they remained tight-lipped.Sources close to the development indicate that C-DAC Noida, which was contracted for an all-inclusive solution, is now only willing to provide the software component for the HIS Version 2. This unexpected shift effectively halted the much-needed transition from the outdated 2007 Version 1 of the HIS.“PGI is stuck,” a source revealed, emphasising the impossibility of implementing HIS Version 2 without the necessary accompanying components. The original memorandum of understanding (MoU) with C-DAC Noida is now in question regarding its full scope.The PGI administration apprised the union ministry of health and family welfare of the urgent need for a separate vendor to supply the essential hardware and manpower required for the digitalisation. While this request was initially accepted verbally, it was subsequently rejected by the ministry, forcing PGI back to the negotiating table with C-DAC.The hospital’s digital infrastructure is in dire need of an overhaul. Key requirements include thousands of new network points, modern desktops, and printers. Furthermore, the existing network infrastructure, comprising old switches and hubs, has reached its end-of-life, posing a significant bottleneck to any digital expansion.A major concern also revolves around data security. With plans to eventually migrate to cloud-based servers, PGI officials are apprehensive about losing direct control over their security protocols, a critical consideration for sensitive patient data.BOX:Audit helped discover glitchesHIS 2 will cover the queue management, digitalisation of patients’ records, and all biochemical and laboratory investigations. In 2023, the AIIMS online system was hacked, and thereafter the GOI focused on strengthening online security. The PGI thereafter got its auditing done and found the underground cables and other infrastructure outdated and incompatible with the existing software. AIIMS found BEL as the vendor for its complete digitalisation and will soon start the process. MSID:: 122816830 413 |
