MANAGEMENT AND UTILIZATION OF HEALTH MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM IN BUSIA DISTRICT, UGANDA

The study is designed to investigate and analyze the management and utilization of Health Management Information System (HMIS) in Busia District. The major aim of the study was to find out the management and utilization of health management information system in Busia district, Uganda. The study was both qualitative and quantitative in nature in two Health Sub-Districts in Busia. Documents review, key informant interviews and a Semi – structured questionnaire were used.
From the findings it is concluded that the management and utilization of the HMIS is still inadequate. Majority of the reporting health units were government owned implying that private practitioners were not represented and yet they have a significant role in health care delivery. Based on the above issues the study recommends that: there is need to establish record offices at all health centers; HMIS focal persons should be motivated ie transport, allowances etc; there should be an HMIS focal person at the HSD level to collect data from all the health units in the HSD; the government should take the initiative to recognize and include private practitioners in the HMIS; and Health workers including those in private practice should be trained in data management.