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Modernizing the Health Information System
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11:12 AM (12 hours ago)
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Thank you for your e-mail of July 21, 2016, addressed to Minister Philpott, in which you shared your suggestions for modernizing the health information system.
Since 2001, the Government of Canada has supported work to digitize the health information system. To date we have invested $2.15 billion in Canada Health Infoway, which works with the provinces and territories to implement digital health innovations such as electronic medical and health records and patient portals.
Thanks to these investments, many physicians are now able to record patient health information electronically, refer patients to specialists, order and receive laboratory and diagnostic test results, and more. Patients are also gaining easier access to their health information through the introduction of patient web portals, which can be used to access information such as laboratory and diagnostic test results from home.
Although progress has been made on digitizing the health information system, there is still work to be done, as you have indicated. Innovation and digital health are current priorities for the Government of Canada. While the administration and delivery of health care falls under provincial and territorial jurisdiction, the federal government is committed to working with the provinces and territories. Through Budget 2016, Canada Health Infoway received $50 million to support digital health innovations. This includes funding to build an e-prescribing system which will allow physicians to send prescriptions to pharmacies electronically.
As part of our commitment, federal, provincial, and territorial discussions on a new Health Accord are ongoing. In the coming months, work will continue collaboratively with the provincial and territorial Ministers to create a more adaptable, innovative, and affordable health care system for all Canadians.
Again, thank you for writing. We encourage your continued contributions toward a health care system that is efficient, connected, and patient-centered.
Sincerely,
Strategic Policy Branch / Direction générale de la politique stratégique
Health Canada / Santé Canada
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