New Zealand Health IT Delegation Forging Relationships with Malaysian Healthcare Sector

Over 70 New Zealand and Malaysian representatives from the public and private healthcare sector share views on the future of Health IT and discuss their experiences in implementing Health IT initiatives ahead of HIMSS Asia Pacific (APAC) Conference in Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur, February 24th 2009: The model for healthcare provision has changed according to the New Zealand and Malaysian healthcare representatives who convened in Putrajaya, ahead of the HIMSS APAC Conference due to commence on Wednesday.

Collaboration was the theme throughout the presentations and a key focus in the panel discussion, "Implementing Health Information Systems", which Malaysian expert Dr Amiruddin Bin Hisan, Acting Director, Telehealth Division, Ministry of Health, was a panellist.

"New Zealand is recognised globally for its strong focus on primary healthcare and a Health IT sector which provides high quality services delivered cost effectively," said Grant Fuller, New Zealand’s Trade Commissioner to Malaysia. "New Zealand has a very high adoption rate regarding electronic medical record systems, as well as Health IT solutions in capacity and resource management, radiology and intensive care. What New Zealand is doing with health information systems is highly relevant to any country’s healthcare sector, regardless of how it is structured."

Precept Health Ltd, who is participating in the Temerloh Hospital health information system project, is one of a number of New Zealand companies who are currently working with Malaysian partners to introduce a range of innovative Health IT products, solutions and training programmes to the Malaysian health sector.

"Increasing engagement between New Zealand and Malaysian Health IT companies and officials is an excellent example of the broadening relationship in the service sectors between our two countries," continues Fuller, "It is sectors such as Health IT which will drive future bilateral relationships and collaboration as New Zealand and Malaysia both look to the creative, hi-tech, knowledge based sectors to drive our future economies."

Members of the delegation visited several medical facilities including Klinik Kesihatan Putrajaya and Putrajaya Hospital, where physicians and clinicians were on hand to demonstrate their technology at work and the benefits they provide.

About the New Zealand Health IT Cluster

The New Zealand Health IT Cluster is a vibrant alliance of organisations interested in Health IT, comprising software and solution developers, consultants, health policy makers, health funders, infrastructure companies, healthcare providers, and academic institutions – who have agreed to work collaboratively.

About New Zealand Trade & Enterprise

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is the New Zealand government’s primary agency for stimulating economic and export related growth. The New Zealand Health IT Cluster engages directly with NZTE who has a representative on the Cluster’s Executive Management Board.

NZTE assisted the Cluster with infrastructure funding through its Growth Services – Technology Collaboration Fund. NZTE has contributed funding towards The Microsoft Collaborative Health Showcase Cluster project, which has showcased New Zealand Health IT talent around the world.

Contact:

Claire Benson
Marketing and Communications Manager, South/South East Asia
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise

391A Orchard Road
#15-02 Ngee Ann City, Tower A
Singapore 238873
Ph: +65 6733 6889
H/P: +65 9721 5336

New Zealand in South East Asia press centre - www.newzealandinsoutheastasia.com

PRESS CONTACT Claire Benson
Ph: +65 6733 6889
H/P: +65 9721 5336

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