Microcomputers in developing country programmes: Valuable tools or troublesome toys? Experience from Uganda and Nepal

Abstract

The widespread use of microcomputers (MCs) in the management of public sector initiatives has created some guiding principles that can be used in the introduction of computer technology into the management of health programs in developing countries. Many of these considerations relate to the choice of expensive hardware or software. Computers help managers adopt information systems that reduce their dependence on other professionals or external agencies. However decision makers must understand computerization to facilitate obtaining the information that they require otherwise computers will be seen as oppressive devices. Two case studies illustrate two important view points. The first is a description of the computerization of the Health Planning Unit (HPU) in the Government of Uganda. In Uganda it was not until March 1986 18 months after the initiation of the national manpower inventory and the introduction of MCs that the Ministry of Health had a computer section with competent staff able to produce relevant information. The computerization of the HPU also made possible the implementation of a revised district health information system. The system had only been introduced to a few districts and the dBase III applications continue to be refined. But initial results have been encouraging for a number of donor agencies to finance the introduction of the system to districts where they have projects. From the outset the computers were used in a variety of tasks. Word processing enabled the HPU to produce a Health Information Quarterly for all mid-level health managers. The establishment of a computerized management information system in the Sindhupalchok District Maternal and Child Heath/Family Planning program in Nepal permitted rapid and error-free sorting which was vitally important to make the information useful for managers and field workers. dBase II and dBase III proved to be an ideal software.