Hira, the New Zealand Ministry of Health’s national health information platform, is expected to be publicly launched by the middle of next year.
During a public webinar on Friday, Darren Douglass, chief executive of the Department for Digital Strategy and Investment, Data and Digital, shared a tentative schedule for the platform’s release.
WHAT IS IT ABOUT
The first release in May next year aims to provide access to basic patient information stored in the National Health Index and with health providers. This also includes the results of the COVID-19 vaccination and tests, taking advantage of My Health Record. Solutions providers that cater to vulnerable communities, such as small nonprofits, are targeted to be its primary users.
The second release in June will offer the ability to update user details through the platform, as well as the ability to update affiliate details, especially for the Maori community. Contract research services will also be introduced in this phase.
Hira will be released publicly in its August version. Access to an international patient file is also part of this phase.
Douglass stressed that in its first three versions, Hira will provide New Zealand consumers with “easier” access to health services wherever they are. They will no longer waste time repeating information while accessing health services.
THE BROADER CONTEXT
Hira’s piecemeal exit is made possible by the program’s first tranche of funding. The government set aside NZ $ 385 million ($ 279 million) to implement the platform as part of the health sector data funding and digital infrastructure for more than four years under the 2021 budget The first installment, said Douglass, begins with “establishing key foundations and delivering the initial Hira services, putting in place the capabilities and the building blocks to truly support this digital health system.”
In the second round of funding, the ministry seeks to expand the range of health data to be made available to consumers and health providers, as well as connect more providers and other stakeholders to the Hira ecosystem. . In the last installment, they will develop data and digital services; for example, providing access to social service data or access to Hira services to other government agencies.
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