Initially Albertans will be able to view vital personal medication information such as vaccination records. This will be followed by other pertinent data until all needed statistics and records such as prescriptions, x-rays and laboratory test results are in.
According to Mark Brisson, executive director of information management for Alberta Health, the website will be operational within a few months after the budget for the program is finalized and approved.
Aside from personal medical information, the portal will also have educational modules on various topics like nutrition.
There is a national effort to digitize all medical records of Canadians but it would be a huge task as the information is spread throughout the entire country in hospitals, doctor's clinics and even homes. The first stage would be to make it a province-wide undertaking.
Meanwhile, Alberta will shoulder the cost of providing midwife services to expectant residents to help relieve doctors, nurses and hospitals in the province. The coverage will start April1. Alberta has set aside $4 million to pay for the midwifery services for the fiscal years 2009-2010.
