Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre (RGCI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with international healthcare IT provider Medtech Global for the digitization and provision of Electronic Medical Record (EMR) software.

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

Medtech will work with RGCI, one of India’s leading cancer treatment and research hospitals headquartered in Delhi , to digitize 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,” Fuller added.

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

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). 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.

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

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.