Field visit in Yaoundé

Two destinations are offered for selection to witness the utilisation of openIMIS in the context of two schemes under the Ministry of Public Health (MINSANTE) in Cameroon

• HIV fee elimination scheme: this scheme is aimed at providing free testing and treatment services to all people living with HIV/AIDS (supported by UNAIDS, USAID)

• Free health services for refugees: this scheme is aimed at increasing access to healthcare for refugees in/near the conflict areas of Cameroon (supported by UNHCR)

Destination I: Etug-Ebe Baptist Hospital

• observe provision of health service + sending claims

• exchange with openIMIS focal person for HIV intervention in the Center Region

• exchange with colleague from UNHCR (tbc)

Destination II: Regional Fund for Health Promotion (Fonds Régionaux de la promotion de la santé)

During the field visit to the Regional Fund for Health Promotion in Cameroon, the participants were given an insight into the use of openIMIS through a presentation by the staff followed by a question-and-answer session. Here are the key take aways of the field visit:

Streamlining Healthcare Operations:

 The use of openIMIS introduced by the Regional Fund for Health Promotion enables seamless billing and user-friendly management of healthcare services. Through this system, healthcare professionals can easily access patient information, track treatment plans, and generate accurate invoices.

Training and Empowerment:

 Recognizing the diverse backgrounds and technological proficiency of healthcare workers, the Regional Fund invested in comprehensive training programs. It ensured that all 55 healthcare facilities had access to computers and provided training to personnel on how to effectively utilize openIMIS. The initiative included creating physical training centers, enabling individuals to gain hands-on experience and develop the necessary skills.

Standardization and Documentation:

 To ensure a systematic approach, the Regional Fund developed a comprehensive procedure manual adhering to ISO standards. This manual encompasses various chapters, including the purpose of the procedure, the steps involved, and associated documents. The meticulous attention to detail and standardization has empowered even individuals with limited computer literacy to navigate the system confidently, reducing the reliance on external support.

Enhanced Accessibility and Support:

 To address concerns about accessibility and support, the Regional Fund established a WhatsApp platform for healthcare workers to seek assistance and report issues promptly. While this initiative initially aimed to bridge the knowledge gap, the introduction of the comprehensive procedure manual significantly reduced the frequency of complaints. Additionally, partnerships with technical and financial organizations, such as GIZ, facilitated the provision of computers and tablets to healthcare facilities, further promoting digital inclusion.

Overcoming Challenges:

 Despite the numerous advantages of the digital platform, the Regional Fund acknowledged the persisting challenges. Internet connectivity remains a major issue, leading to intermittent disruptions in the application's usage. Efforts are underway to address this issue and find sustainable solutions. Additionally, resistance to change and the perceived increase in workload among healthcare professionals transitioning to digital systems have posed motivational challenges. The Regional Fund continues to work on addressing these concerns through continuous training and support.

Benefits and Future Prospects:

 The benefits of the digital platform are evident, as it streamlines operations, improves budget management, and minimizes calculation errors. The automatic invoice generation feature and standardized process enable prompt validation and reduce the need for manual interventions. Moreover, the platform empowers healthcare professionals to focus on patient care rather than administrative tasks. The Regional Fund plans to integrate additional functionalities, such as medication management and child healthcare, to further enhance the system's capabilities and address the evolving needs of the healthcare sector.