Health Information Management Practice in Sri Lanka

Health information system development in Sri Lanka has generally been a low priority. Weaknesses exist in many areas, including vital registration, and hospital information such as inpatient and outpatient morbidity and mortality data. Lapses in hospital information systems are mainly due to incomplete patient medical records; non-availability, inaccuracy and illegibility of the final diagnoses on the front sheets; shortage of trained statistical staff; lack of supervision at all levels; and lack of facilities at medical record departments. WHO's South-East Asian Regional Organization, in collaboration with the Australian National Centre in Classification in Health, has developed a group of trainers who conduct MR/HIM and ICD-10 training courses within the country.