EMRs and EHRs

EMRs and EHRs are health records containing all of a patient’s medical information; however, there is a slight difference between them.

Electronic Medical Records (EMR)

it is a record of a patient’s medical information that includes medical history, diagnoses, allergies, immunization, medications, etc. Also, medical institutions cannot share EMRs with other institutions.

Electronic Health Records (EHR)

It contains everything an EMR does and much more. It also goes beyond the medical data entered. Above all, it is shared with other doctors, hospitals, etc.

National Health Policy 2017 (NHP17)

The National Health Policy of 2017 has recognized the need for a framework for the evolution of the National Digital Health Eco-system (NDHE). Subsequently, this gave rise to the National Digital Health Blueprint (NDHB). 

The NDHB guides the implementation and has specific details required to fulfill the vision of NHP17. It also acts as the institutional mechanism and action plan for Digital Health.

Additionally, the principle of the NDHB is, Think Big, Start Small, Scale Fast.

EMRs and EHRs in NHP17

A comparative study was conducted of all the national organizations handling extensive data and reviewing the international experience in creating EHRs. The South Korean model of EHR seemed to be the right fit for India. According to the model, establishing a new organization will require the following: 

• Financial independence
• Employing and retaining the right personnel
• Being technologically savvy.
• Productive and quick
• Cost and time effectiveness
• Promoting ownership

The Ministry of Health and Welfare in South Korea started an organization to maintain EHRs. They set up multiple advisory committees to provide policy directions and expert opinions. They also created the Implementation Center for Development and Research and Development Center for EHR to carry out system development and other research.

The country has successfully developed its digital health infrastructure by having a reliable and cost-effective IT platform, user-friendly application systems, laws, budgets, standards, and backing up from groups like the Korean Medical Association and citizen’s groups.

EMRs and EHRs in 2021

Pradhan Mantri Digital Health Mission (PM-DHM)

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, renamed The National Digital Health Mission as Pradhan Mantri Digital Health Mission. It ensures easier access to health records by the citizens of India. Moreover, this mission aims to develop the backbone for integrated digital health infrastructure in India.

Each person will receive a unique 14-digit identification number called a Digital Health ID. This ID will contain all the health records of that person. One can use their Aadhar card or phone number as an identifier to locate necessary health records. Also, the mission will create EMRs for the individual, which will become easier for the doctors to track.

In short, creating digital health records helps India take a step forward in this digital era and helps in better communication with other nations. 

MedConverge has decades of experience with EMRs and EHRs. For any queries or questions, contact us via e-mail or phone.