Health database for all Zhabei residents

By Cai Wenjun  |   2008-11-4  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

ZHABEI District has set up a digital health database for residents to look up their personal health information, their medical records and receive health education at home. The database can be accessed via a USB key which will be distributed to every resident in the district.

The first batch of residents were given their keys yesterday. The district plans to have all its 700,000 residents and its 100,000-strong migrant population covered by the service within three years.

Each USB, which is in the shape of a key, contains a code. Residents will log on to the public health Website of Zhabei District and type in their code to access their health information.

"It is like a 'health key' for our residents," said Li Yanhua, an official from the Zhabei Health Information Center. "The health database includes personal medical records, vaccination plans, test results, lists of medical expenses and guidance on health care based on an individual's physical condition. Once the service is perfected, residents will be able to make reservations at clinics and comment on medical services without leaving their homes."

So far, more than 90 percent of residents have been included in the database.

Officials said the database will streamline government management and make it more convenient for residents to check their health situation.

Zhabei built a digital health database at its Pengpu New Estate in 2004. Last year, a network connecting all 17 hospitals and 45 neighborhood health centers in the district was completed. More than 7 million yuan (US$1.02 million) has been spent in the past two years on compiling the information and designing its accessibility.

Zhabei will be used to pilot the database scheme for the Ministry of Health. If the scheme is a success, it will be rolled out across the whole of Shanghai, officials said.