HRPB Adopts PACS For Digital Radiology Storage, Boosts Healthcare Efficiency

IPOH, July 18 (Bernama) -- Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital (HRPB) here has adopted the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), a move expected to improve diagnostic efficiency, accelerate patient treatment and reduce reliance on film and physical storage space.

Perak Health Department deputy director (Medical) Dr Roniyuzam Abd Malek said the move aligns with the government’s efforts to digitalise the national healthcare system.

He said PACS enables radiology images such as X-rays, CT scans and MRIs to be stored, accessed and shared digitally, eliminating the need for physical film.

“This also facilitates data sharing within the Ipoh cluster hospitals, reduces the risk of medical errors and enhances patient safety.

“I am confident PACS will benefit not only doctors and radiology staff but the entire healthcare team, as timely and accurate treatment starts with efficient diagnosis,” he said at the state PACS handover ceremony, which was also attended by HRPB director Dr Saiful Azlan Sharif here today.

Dr Roniyuzam said the Radiology Department previously faced challenges such as lengthy data retrieval processes, rising film printing costs, and the growing patient load.

“There was also the risk of misplaced films, and repeated radiography tests would increase patients’ radiation exposure, particularly among children.

“Therefore, the implementation of PACS at HRPB marks a significant step forward in the digital evolution of healthcare services,” he said.

The PACS project at HRPB is part of the Health Ministry’s strategic initiative to provide efficient and secure digital storage and access for radiology images.

The system accelerates the diagnosis and treatment process by enabling faster and more accurate image sharing across departments, including wards, clinics, daycare, the Emergency and Trauma Department, and operating theatres.

PACS also reduces waiting times for doctors and patients to access radiology images, with initial statistics showing that over 98 per cent of images can be retrieved within 10 minutes after the examination is completed.

-- BERNAMA