Cyber Security Expert Warns Against Monopoly In Health Data Management, Urges Inclusive Approach

A prominent Cyber Security and  Data Expert, Samuel Kwame Adomako, has raised concerns about the government’s approach to the Lightwave Health Information Management System (LHIMS) issue.

According to Adomako, the Health Minister’s decision to award the contract for the new Ghana Health Information Management System (GHIMS) to a single vendor poses a significant risk to the country’s health data.

 

The Controversy Surrounding LHIMS

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, recently accused the company behind LHIMS of underperformance and blackmail, citing the vendor’s refusal to hand over administrative access and health data to the state.

The minister claimed that the vendor’s actions led to widespread disruptions in the national health data system.

The sector minister, therefore, announced the introduction of a new GHIMS platform, designed to manage health information across the country and provide real-time access to patient records nationwide.

 

 Concerns

In an interviews with Sir John on Akoma FM, Mr. Adomako believes that the Health Minister’s approach is misguided and may lead to a monopoly in the health data sector.

He expressed skepticism about the minister’s assurance that the GHIMS would be state-managed, unlike the LHIMS which was handled by outsiders. In his view, this change in management approach wouldn’t necessarily address the underlying issues.

He argues that awarding the contract to a single vendor, weather outsider or insider could compromise the security and integrity of Ghana’s health data.

Adomako is calling for a more inclusive approach, recommending that Ghanaian IT companies and experts be involved in the process and receive a portion of the contract.

 

Ending Monopoly

According to Adomako, the health database should be open for every hospital to purchase its own database apps in order to end the monopoly.

This approach would promote competition, flexibility, and innovation in the health data management sector.

 

Negative Impacts of Depending on One Vendor

Mr. Adomako highlighted some of the negative impacts that the country may face if it continues to depend on one vendor.

He said that depending on a single vendor could stifle competition and innovation in the health data management sector.

According to him, relying on one vendor increases vulnerability to system failures or disruptions, as there may be limited alternatives or support.

He also noted that a single vendor might limit the flexibility and scalability of the health information system, making it harder to adapt to changing needs.

As the government moves forward with the implementation of GHIMS, it remains to be seen whether the concerns raised by Adomako and other experts will be addressed.

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