e-Learning Jamaica Company Limited (e-LJam) on Friday (Nov. 29) handed over 46 computer tablets to the Jamaica Physiotherapy Association, which will assist with the delivery of physiotherapy services in health facilities islandwide.
The initiative was provided for, under the 2015 – 2017 Heads of Agreement with the Council of Paramedics and the Government of Jamaica.
The tablets which are valued at just over $1 million have been disbursed to 20 public hospitals across the island. The devices were procured through funding provided by e-LJam.
Science, Energy and Technology Minister, Hon. Fayval Williams in her remarks at the handover ceremony held at the Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston said, the provision of the tablets is in keeping with the Government’s vision of using technology to serve the people of Jamaica at all levels.
She noted that the tablets will greatly enhance the level of patient care and service delivery being offered by physiotherapists.
“More and more practitioners are utilizing smart devices such as tablets to aid in patient care and diagnoses, as it offers greater access to patient records and information in real time. Over the years, technology has led to significant improvement in the delivery of healthcare,” Mrs. Williams said.
President of the Jamaica Physiotherapy Association, Dr. Savionne Gayle-Francis said the tablets will assist in providing accurate diagnosis and patient education.
“We are medical professionals which means we have to know the anatomy intimately. Having that information available at your fingertips will enable us to make our practice more efficient and [will assist in] explaining exercises to our patients on the spot,” she said.
For his part, Chief Executive Officer, e-LJam, Keith Smith said the project is one of several that have been successfully completed. He added that discussions are underway with other Ministries, Departments and Agencies to assist in similar initiatives.
Among the public health facilities that benefited from recent projects include: the Linstead Hospital in St. Catherine; Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital in Westmoreland; Cornwall Regional Hospital, in St. James; May Pen Hospital, in Clarendon; National Chest Hospital in St. Andrew; and the Kingston Public Hospital.
Article Provided by: JIS