Health Information

Core Programme Clusters

Health Systems Development (HSD)

Health information is any quantifiable and non-quantifiable information that can be used by health decision-makers and clinicians to better understand disease processes and health care issues, and to prevent, diagnose or treat health problems. A health information system refers to inter-related component parts for acquiring and analyzing data and providing information (management information, health statistics, health literature) for the management of a health programme or system and for monitoring health activities.

Country health information systems include a range of population-based and health facility-based data sources. The main population-based sources of health information are census, household surveys and (sample) vital registration systems. The main health facility-related data sources are public health surveillance, health services data (also sometimes referred to as health management information system or routine health information system) and health system monitoring data (e.g. human resources, health infrastructure, financing). Lastly, national health accounts can provide a comprehensive picture of health financing.

Health information should guide mobilization and allocation of resources, prioritization of health programmes and research, and improve efficiency and effectiveness of health programmes. For information to influence management in an optimal way, it has to be used by decision makers at each point of the management spiral. This means that not only policy makers and managers need to make use of information in decision making but also care providers including doctors, health technicians, and community health workers. WHO's work focuses on improving availability, quality and use of health information across levels.

In India, the health information exists at various levels, forms and systems. There is a wide variety of data that is collected by number of agencies mainly government both at the central and state level through routine data collection and also periodic sample surveys. While various initiatives at strengthening of health information systems is underway, challenges continue in terms of reliability, relevance, timeliness, harmonization as well as quality of data.

Some of the key initiatives undertaken in collaboration with the Central Bureau of Health Intelligence (CBHI), MOHFW, GOI includes improving the quality and timeliness of health related information and statistics, review of health information systems, preparation of training material for ICD 10, development of National Health Profile 2005 & 2006. Another initiative has been the development of a health repository which seeks to compile and make available information and evidence from India on various health and related issues.

With a view to strengthen evidence based policy making, measuring the burden of disease and conditions in the country and understanding which sub-populations are most effected is a critical component. In response to the lack of basic, accurate data for informed priority setting, WHO and others have undertaken work on estimating the global burden of disease (BoD). The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has developed a database for disease burden estimation for malaria, filaria, dengue and diarrhoeal diseases.

Reports


ICD-10- Orientation Training on ICD 10 – Module and Work Book	ICD-10- Improving and Strengthening the use of ICD 10 and Medical Record System in India – Report and Recommendations

National Health Profile 2006	National Health Profile 2005