A hospital information management system (HIMS), a website, and an audit system have led to handsome growth in efficiency, revenues and uptake of public health services in Jammu and Kashmir, the state government claimed on Wednesday.

There has been appreciable increase in people accessing “peripheral institutions” (primary health centres) and reduction in unnecessary referrals to tertiary care, claims a statement from the health department of the state.

In Jammu division, OPD services have increased by 14%, admissions by 31%, institutional deliveries by 32%, and surgeries by 50%, shows a performance review document that compares services provided in 2009 with the previous year.

There has also been an increase of 32% in revenue generation and 130% increase in utilization of hospital development fund.

The performance of Kashmir division, though less impressive than Jammu’s, has also seen 3%, 10%, 49% and 82% increase in OPD, IPD, revenues, and utilization of hospital development fund, respectively.

Growth in revenues means there has been reduction in “false reporting” of patients or less corruption.

The performance audit review document provides information about district-wise and institution-wise services, manpower, and implementation of national programmes, such as National Rural Health Mission (NRHM).

The website (www.jkhealth.org) gives information about each department within the health department, all healthcare institutions in the state, and doctors.

Monthly review meetings are held to evaluate the reports on work done cumulatively and institution wise. The data is then uploaded on the website. Computers with internet connections and data entry operators have been provided up to block headquarter level, claims the statement.

OPD and IPD registrations at district and sub-district hospitals have been improved to bring transparency in the reporting system.

The lists of facilities available at various institutions, user charges, as also funds available under Rogi Kalyan Samitis and hospital development committees, have been prominently displayed for the public.

The audit is being done on Indian Public Health Standards.