Implementation of a Health Information Systems Programme

Abstract

In general, developed countries in the world is where Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is in an advanced state, governments in developing countries particularly in the Asia- Pacific region are only in the initial phases of adopting ICT. ICT has demonstrated benefits for governments in developing countries to improve management, information and reporting, streamline the delivery of government services, enhance communication with the citizenry, and serve as a catalyst for empowering citizens to interact with the government. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP, 2001) considers that ICT is a useful tool for developing countries to progress and leapfrog to the applications applied in the developed world. The Indian draft report on ICT and Human Development records that in the 21st century there is large growth and diversification of the ICT sector in India particularly in areas of agriculture and in service sectors (UNDP, 2004). The United Nations even has an ICT advisory group with representatives from governments of developing countries and the industry (Singh, 2001).