Medtech Global to work on e-health records

Embargoed until 11pm New Zealand time June 27

Media release


Medtech Global and Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute to work on e-health records

New Delhi, India June 27 2011 – Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Center (RGCI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with international healthcare IT provider Medtech Global for the digitisation and provision of electronic medical record (EMR) software.

The agreement was announced by New Zealand Prime Minister, the Right Honorable John Key, during his state visit to India. Medtech Global’s executive chairman Vino Ramayah is accompanying Prime Minister Key during his visit.

Medtech Global is a leading provider of health management solutions which enable comprehensive management of patient information through all aspects of the healthcare environment. It was founded in New Zealand and its growing global presence includes a software development centre in Chennai and presence in Delhi.

Medtech currently employs more than 150 people in India and is providing training in New Zealand and India to enable its operation in India to meet the increasing demand there for healthcare technology solutions.

RGCI, which is headquartered in Delhi, has in the past 15 years become one of India’s leading cancer treatment and research hospitals.

Medtech will work with RGCI to digitise its medical records and install Medtech Evolution EMR software. The software helps health providers to deliver quality patient care through the functionality of its comprehensive clinical applications and patient management systems.

New Zealand Trade Commissioner to New Delhi, Cliff Fuller, says it is significant that New Zealand owned companies, such as Medtech Global, are partnering with companies in India in their effort to develop innovative technology.

“This shows the strength of the relationship between India and New Zealand and the importance that New Zealand companies place on that relationship,” Mr Fuller says.

Mr Ramayah says the Indian Government has recently introduced a policy of electronic personal health records (PHR), and Medtech products provide the capability for India’s health sector to meet that challenge. Medtech already provides personal health record solutions in New Zealand, Australia and others parts of the world.

“New Zealand is a world leader in the development and adoption of primary healthcare information technology,” says Mr Ramayah. “Medtech believes there will be significant benefits for India’s healthcare sector in our relationship.”

Medtech is also talking with RGCI about its state-of-the-art telemedicine technology, which is being piloted by India’s National Agro Foundation (NAF).

Medtech’s solution allows health providers to help patients in rural and remote locations. It provides access to patients’ vital data through video, audio and electronic means.

“We can move the data and provide the health care without moving the patient,” Mr Ramayah says. “When used in emergency situations the solution can help save lives. In daily medical practice it can save time and travel costs.”

Mr Ramayah says Medtech’s telemedicine solution means health care can be taken to masses and for RGCI it could allow its Delhi-based specialists to assist staff at its cancer hospital in Nepal, or conduct cancer camps in remote areas.

NAF intends using the technology when it establishes a rural health care centre in the state of Tamilnadu. This is being run as a pilot for 12 months, after which the scheme is expected to be rolled out to more rural villages.

NAF is a public charitable trust, founded in 2000 by Shri C Subramaniam, the architect of India's “Green Revolution” and a recipient of India's highest civilian award the “Bharat Ratna”.

NAF has an integrated mission approach for creating sustainable livelihoods for poor rural communities with its primary focus on agricultural and animal husbandry productivity improvement.

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