## OpenMRS+ Implementation in Bangladesh ## **Introduction to OpenMRS** OpenMRS is an open-source electronic medical record (EMR) system tailored for resource-constrained environments, first established in 2004. It offers a modular architecture that allows for extensive customization, enabling it to meet the specific needs of different healthcare systems. In Bangladesh, OpenMRS has evolved into a customized version known as **OpenMRS+**, which integrates OpenELIS (a laboratory information system) and an inventory module with the Bahmni version. This comprehensive system is significantly transforming hospital management and service delivery in public hospitals. * * * **Overview of OpenMRS+ in Bangladesh** Bangladesh began implementing OpenMRS in 2016 as part of its broader hospital automation initiative. Today, it is operational across **100 public hospitals**, including facilities that provide primary, secondary, tertiary, and super-specialized care. **Deployment Modalities:** 1. **On-Premise Server:** * The majority of hospitals (97 out of 100) host OpenMRS+ on their own servers to address the challenges of unstable internet connectivity in certain regions, ensuring uninterrupted hospital services. 2. **Online Centralized Solution:** * In three hospitals, OpenMRS+ is deployed as an online central solution to test its efficiency and feasibility for managing multiple facilities. This centralized modality allows for a consolidated data management system. * * * **Key Features of OpenMRS+ in Bangladesh** 1. **Modules Implemented:** * Inpatient * Outpatient * Emergency * Ticket Counter * Billing * Pharmacy * Laboratory (via OpenELIS integration) * Inventory Management 2. **Infrastructure:** * Hospitals with on-premise servers operate OpenMRS+ locally, ensuring resilience to internet disruptions. * Internal connectivity is managed via Local Area Networks (LAN) within hospital premises. * The centralized online solution facilitates inter-facility data sharing and is being tested for scalability. 3. **Hardware Integration:** * Barcode scanners and printers enhance operational accuracy. * LED displays in front of doctor chambers streamline queue management. * * * **Advantages of Implementing a Hospital Automation System** 1. **Improved Patient Care:** * Real-time access to patient data for better decision-making. * Automation minimizes human errors in diagnostics and record-keeping. 2. **Operational Efficiency:** * Streamlined workflows across inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and other departments. * Integration of billing and inventory modules ensures optimal resource utilization. 3. **Data-Driven Administration:** * Digital records simplify data retrieval and updates. * Centralized data facilitates analytics and evidence-based decision-making. 4. **Resilience to Connectivity Challenges:** * On-premise servers ensure continuity of operations in areas with unstable internet. * Centralized solutions are being tested to determine feasibility in connected regions. 5. **Cost-Effectiveness:** * Barcode integration eliminates manual tracking costs. * Standardized processes reduce operational inefficiencies. 6. **Patient Satisfaction:** * Reduced waiting times through efficient queue management. * Transparent billing and quicker lab results foster trust. * * * **FAQs: Why Deploy On-Premise Servers for Each Hospital?** A common question is whether deploying a dedicated server in each hospital is a waste of money compared to a centralized online solution. The answer lies in the challenges of internet connectivity: * **Unstable Internet in Certain Areas:** Many regions in Bangladesh lack reliable internet connections. In such areas, a centralized online system could cause interruptions in critical hospital services during connectivity issues. On-premise servers ensure uninterrupted operations regardless of external internet reliability. * **Gradual Dependence on Automation:** As hospitals increasingly rely on automated systems for managing patient care and administrative tasks, any disruption in connectivity could significantly hamper services. On-premise servers provide a robust solution to this challenge. However, the online centralized solution is being tested in three hospitals to assess its efficiency, feasibility, and scalability for managing multiple facilities. This dual-modality approach ensures that Bangladesh can leverage digital technology effectively while addressing current infrastructure limitations. *** **FAQs: Which hospitals have been automated by OpenMRS Plus?** There are several hospitals have been automated by OpenMRS Plus. **Automated hospital list:** # Hospital Automation Start Date | S/I | Hospital and Others Information | Automation Start Date | |-----|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------| | 1 | Gopalganj 250 Bed General Hospital | 07/06/2017 | | 2 | Muksudpur Upazila Health Complex | 15/08/2020 | | 3 | Kashiani Upazila Health Complex | 22 October 2020 | | 4 | Kotalipara Upazila Health Complex | 09/12/2020 | | 5 | Tungipara Upazila Health Complex | 04-01-2020 | | 6 | Singair Upazila Health Complex | 02/01/2021 | | 7 | Harirampur Upazila Health Complex | 15-08-2020 | | 8 | Shibalaya Upazila Health Complex | 01/01/2021 | | 9 | Saturia Upazila Health Complex | 20/10/2020 | | 10 | 250 Bed General Hospital, Kishoreganj | 01/01/2021 | | 11 | Bhairab Upazila Health Complex | 03/03/2021 | | 12 | Tarail Upazila Health Complex | 09/01/2020 | | 13 | Mithamoin Upazila Health Complex | 27/05/2020 | | 14 | Katiadi Upazila Health Complex | 12/16/2020 | | 15 | Pakundia Upazila Health Complex | 4 February 2021 | | 16 | Khulna 250 Bed General Hospital, Khulna | 21-07-2020 | | 17 | Paikgacha Upazila Health Complex | | | 18 | General Hospital Cumilla | 12-01-2021 | | 19 | Muradnagar Upazila Health Complex | 04/04/2021 | | 20 | Burichong Upazila Health Complex | 14-03-2022 | | 21 | Chaddagram Upazila Health Complex | August 01, 2023 | | 22 | Barguna District Hospital | 01-12-2020 | | 23 | Amtali Upazila Health Complex | 02-02-2022 | | 24 | Betagi Upazila Health Complex | 20/02/2022 | | 25 | Patharghata Upazila Health Complex | 20/06/2022 | | 26 | Netrokona Sadar Hospital | 23-01-2022 | | 27 | Shibchar Upazila Health Complex | 03/01/2021 | | 28 | Rajoir Upazila Health Complex | 17/04/2021 | | 29 | Dacope Upazila Health Complex | 03-06-2021 | | 30 | Dumuria Upazila Health Complex | 01/08/2021 | | 31 | Jhenaidah District Hospital | 28/10/2020 | | 32 | Mohanganj Upazila Health Complex | 13 Oct 2021 | | 33 | Kotchandpur Upazila Health Complex | 02-01-2020 | | 34 | Harinakunda Upazila Health Complex | 15-08-2020 | | 35 | Barhatta Upazila Health Complex | 31/03/2022 | | 36 | Gofargaon Upazila Health Complex | 21/01/2021 | | 37 | Muktagacha Upazila Health Complex | 01/12/2020 | | 38 | Fenchuganj Upazila Health Complex | | | 39 | Biswanath Upazila Health Complex | 03 July 2021 | | 40 | Sylhet Shahid Shamsuddin Ahmed District Hospital | 01-11-2020 | | 41 | Beanibazar Upazila Health Complex | 25/02/2021 | | 42 | South Surma Upazila Health Complex | | | 43 | Domar Upazila Health Complex | 21 March, 2021 | | 44 | Dimla Upazila Health Complex | 25th March, 2021 | | 45 | Kishoreganj Upazila Health Complex | 11-01-2020 | | 46 | Nilphamari District Hospital | 07 March 2021 | | 47 | Jaldhaka Upazila Health Complex | 10-01-2021 | | 48 | Pirganj Upazila Health Complex | 4th Jan, 2021 | | 49 | Gurudashpur Upazila Health Complex | 8/9/2020 | | 50 | Natore District Hospital | 1/12/2020 | | 51 | Singra Upazila Health Complex | 09/02/2021 | | 52 | Gopalganj Eye Hospital And Training Institute | 01-02-2024 | | 53 | Kaliganj Upazila Health Complex | 01/07/2020 | | 54 | Kaliakair Upazila Health Complex | 2024 | | 55 | Kapasia Upazila Health Complex | 2024 | | 56 | Araihazar Upazila Health Complex | 03-21-2024 | | 57 | Manikganj 250 Bed District Hospital | 27/05/2024 | | 58 | National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Bangladesh (NICVD) | | | 59 | National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation(NITOR) | 2013 | | 60 | National Center for Control of Rheumatic Fever & Heart Disease | 2024 | * * * **Conclusion** The implementation of OpenMRS+ across 100 public hospitals in Bangladesh demonstrates how tailored technological solutions can address infrastructure challenges and improve healthcare outcomes. The initiative showcases a pragmatic approach to overcoming connectivity limitations through the dual deployment modalities—on-premise servers and centralized online solutions—positioning Bangladesh as a leader in leveraging digital technology for enhanced public healthcare.