BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – The St. Kitts and Nevis government has signed a contract for the development and implementation of the National Digital Health Information System (NDHIS).
Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew speaking at the signing ceremonyThe agreement formalising the partnership between the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) and the St. Kitts and Nevis Robotics Association (SKNRA), which has been entrusted with the design, development, stress testing, and commissioning of the system.
The project is expected to be implementation shortly with an initial instalment of EC$1,680,000 (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) and the initiative forms part of the government’s broader vision to modernise healthcare services through advanced technology and digital transformation, ultimately improving patient care, operational efficiency, and communication between healthcare providers and patients across the island.
Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, underscored the significance of the project and the rigorous process that led to the selection of the local Robotics Association.
“We brought in the Pan American Health Organization, and we asked them to look at our system and to do a full assessment. The Robotics Association, like others, had to present their system and undergo a very vigorous process. There was no shortcut, no leeway, and no compromise because we are dealing with health and sensitive health information.”
Drew, who is also the Minister of Health, spoke of the importance of empowering local talent and recognised the exceptional achievement of the twin island Federation’s young innovators.
“These are young people from St. Kitts and Nevis, students and nationals associated with CFBC, who applied their skills and technological expertise to develop solutions that can enhance the lives of our people,” he said.
The National Digital Health Information System builds upon critical technological infrastructure established over the past year, including the implementation of a resilient national health information network connecting health centres and hospitals throughout St. Kitts and Nevis.
But the authorities said that while the network created the foundation for digital healthcare connectivity, a comprehensive digital health information system was necessary to fully modernise healthcare delivery island wide.
Chairman and founder of the St. Kitts and Nevis Robotics Association, Dr. Ricardo Neil, said he was pleased with the accomplishment and praised the dedication of the local team responsible for the project.
“When we met with PAHO and presented what we had developed, they indicated that what Saint Kitts and Nevis was able to create is on par with the international community. They lauded the fact that this was achieved by youths from Saint Kitts and Nevis and students from CFBC. That in itself was a remarkable achievement.”
Dr. Neil added that the recognition from international health authorities reinforced the capability of local innovators to compete globally in advanced technological development.
Once implemented, the National Digital Health Information System will modernise and digitally connect the nation’s healthcare system, improving efficiency, accessibility, and the overall delivery of healthcare services.
The system will also provide members of the general public with greater access to their personal health records, creating a more connected and accessible technologically advanced healthcare experience for citizens and residents across the Federation.
