The Department of Health, Central Tibetan Administration today commenced a three-day workshop on Health Information System (HIS) for Tibetan healthcare staff at the Tibetan Reception Centre.

Over 18 Tibetan health staff from Tibetan settlements across India are attending the workshop conducted by Health Information System and Public Health Program Coordinator Ms. Tenzin Tseyang and Dr. Lobsang Tsering.

In his welcome address, Health Kalon Dr. Tsering Wangchuk said, “Health Information System, initiated in 2009, has been among the most important programs of the department. The workshop aims to enable the participants on data collection and health information system, making basic disease diagnoses by the health care workers, understanding and reporting notifiable diseases, data collection on paper registers as well as computer software and the processes to send the collected data for analyses and dissemination of information to the stakeholders.”

“Health Information System is an essential aspect of conducting health surveys. A successful Health Information System reinforces the over all health of a Tibetan community. It further identifies the areas where improvements are needed and aid in preventing diseases through a well-planned strategy”, he added.

Kalon also urged the participants to share and impart their knowledge to their respective colleagues when they return home.

The workshop on Health Information System is one the five prime programs of the department including Primary Health Care, Tibetan Medicare System, Capacity building for Health staff and Healthcare access for Tibetan settlements in remote areas.

Following the three-day workshop on HIS, the Department of Health will conduct similar workshops on TB, Hepatitis and Tibetan Medicare System.