Latest news with #HospitalInformationSystem
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Drones cut haj medicine delivery time from an hour to six minutes
MAKKAH: The Saudi Health Ministry's Emergency Operations Centre is leveraging drone technology to deliver medicines to haj sites, cutting delivery time from over an hour to just six minutes. This sharp reduction in delivery time marks a major advancement in logistics management, helping to minimise risks, especially in critical cases that could be life-threatening. Saudi Medical Appointments and Referrals Centre chief executive officer Professor Nawfal Aljerian said the primary objective of this healthcare logistics innovation is to ensure that critical treatments reach patients without delay. "This initiative aligns with the Saudi government's commitment to enhancing healthcare services during the world's largest annual gathering. "This technological advancement represents a major shift in health management during haj," he told Malaysian media during a visit to the centre in Mina today. The Emergency Operations Centre, which operates under the Health Ministry, functions 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It integrates real-time data from hospitals, clinics, and ambulance services, with all information transmitted directly through electronic systems such as Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and the Hospital Information System (HIS). This setup enables healthcare teams to make prompt, data-driven decisions. According to Health Ministry records, nearly 49,000 pilgrims have received treatment at primary healthcare centres, while emergency departments have managed more than 19,000 cases. Outpatient clinics attended to close to 1,000 patients, and over 3,500 individuals were hospitalised, including 1,730 admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). The Saudi government had earlier warned that temperatures during the haj season were expected to reach a maximum of 40 to 45 degrees Celsius, raising concerns about the risk of heat-related illnesses. Pilgrims have also been advised to avoid being outdoors between 10am and 6pm, as well as to refrain from walking from Makkah to Arafah, to safeguard their health. Meanwhile, National Centre for Security Operations of Saudi Arabia (NCSO) gave its assurance and commitment to respond to every emergency call made to the 911 hotline within two seconds. Its official spokesman, Abdulaziz Z Al Ghamdi, told Malaysian media that a report would be forwarded to the relevant agency for follow-up action within 45 seconds. He said this assurance reflects improved readiness as Saudi Arabia prepares to accommodate nearly two million haj pilgrims, with a comprehensive operational plan launched to address large-scale logistical and safety needs throughout the pilgrimage season. According to the Saudi General Authority for Statistics, 1,833,164 Muslims from around the world are expected to perform the haj this year. Of this number, 1,611,310 are international pilgrims, while 221,854 are domestic pilgrims.
The Sun
12-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Columbia Asia expands services and tech
PETALING JAYA: Columbia Asia is setting sights on a new benchmark in private healthcare delivery in Malaysia, with a focus on data-driven expansion, cutting-edge technology and patient-centric services. Regional CEO Tom Lim (pic) said the healthcare provider is evolving to serve rapidly growing communities and the private hospital is adapting its care model for long-term national impact. 'Building on the momentum from 2024, Columbia Asia is intensifying efforts in 2025 with major expansions across its hospital network. A highlight is the upcoming launch of Columbia Asia Hospital, Batu Kawan in Penang, which will be the group's 13th hospital in Malaysia. 'The new facility will serve the fast-developing township of Bandar Cassia, home to a growing population, industrial activity, and international interest in medical tourism. 'This is a community that is expanding quickly but lacks comprehensive private healthcare. We saw a clear opportunity to fill that gap with a hospital designed around accessibility, affordability, and local partnerships,' he told SunBiz. Simultaneously, he noted that Columbia Asia is expanding its Cheras hospital to increase its capacity and introduce broader service offerings, further strengthening its position in the Klang Valley. 'Columbia Asia takes a multi-factorial approach when determining where to expand. We evaluate demographic trends, infrastructure readiness, and gaps in healthcare accessibility, using government and public data to design each hospital's core services. 'We are not just building hospitals, we study the communities that we are meant to serve. Every location is chosen for its potential impact, and every hospital is tailored to meet unique local health needs.' Furthermore, he said Columbia Asia continues to strengthen healthcare technology with the ongoing enhancement of its proprietary Hospital Information System (HIS), CARE21. 'Originally introduced in 2007 as one of Malaysia's first paperless systems in private healthcare, it is now being upgraded to Modern CARE21. 'This upgrade is central to how we deliver care, streamlining operations, reducing paperwork, and enabling faster decision-making across departments,' Lim noted. He said the hospital also leverages electronic medical records, mobile engagement apps, and telemedicine platforms to improve care coordination and patient accessibility, adding that these tools have been especially beneficial for chronic disease management, allowing patients to consult doctors and manage their conditions remotely. Recognising the shift toward preventive and personalised healthcare, Lim highlighted that Columbia Asia has launched its Health Transformation Programme (HTP), a lifestyle-oriented wellness initiative focused on behaviour modification. 'We are also rolling out a Prediabetic Care Programme designed to offer long-term, multidisciplinary care to patients at risk of chronic illnesses. 'We are moving beyond traditional treatment to empowering patients to manage their health proactively. This is how we create better, longer-lasting health outcomes,' he said. As urban areas grow and new townships take shape, he noted that Columbia Asia's approach continues to be rooted in accessibility. 'Each hospital is designed for easy navigation, clustered services, and affordability.'
Business Upturn
08-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Mastek collaborates with Zulekha Healthcare Group to implement Oracle Fusion Cloud suite
By Aman Shukla Published on May 8, 2025, 12:57 IST Mastek, a provider of digital engineering and cloud transformation services, has announced a strategic collaboration with Zulekha Healthcare Group, a healthcare provider based in the United Arab Emirates. The partnership involves the implementation of the Oracle Fusion Cloud suite, integrated with the Oracle Health (Cerner) system. The objective of this collaboration is to support Zulekha Healthcare Group's operational goals, including improvements in clinical workflows, financial management, inventory control, and compliance. The digital transformation aims to reduce manual processes and enhance data-driven decision-making across the organization. Zulekha Healthcare Group operates a network of medical facilities in the UAE, including two hospitals with a combined capacity of 285 beds. The Group employs more than 2,500 staff, including over 300 physicians and 600+ nursing and paramedical personnel. It also operates a smart medical fitness center that offers services such as medical assessments for visas, vaccinations, occupational health certification, and embassy-related medical documentation. Mastek will deploy a unified Oracle Fusion Cloud solution that will integrate with Zulekha's existing Hospital Information System (HIS) and Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) infrastructure. The deployment is intended to improve interoperability and system efficiency while aligning with industry standards. Mastek has previously completed more than 1,500 Oracle Cloud implementations across 40+ countries and offers over 100 industry-specific solutions. The company's healthcare sector experience and Oracle Cloud expertise were cited as key reasons for its selection as a digital transformation partner for this project. Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
