Latest Version of iHRIS Supports Decentralization and Adds Self-Service Option

We are pleased to announce a major new release of iHRIS Manage and iHRIS Qualify. Version 4.1 of the software enhances health data security and enables updating of health worker records at the district and facility level, improving data quality. Individual health workers can even update their own records using a new "self-service" option. Download it now.

Supporting decentralization

A country’s Ministry of Health commonly distributes HR functions, like recruitment or hiring, at the regional or district levels. iHRIS Manage needed to align with decentralization policies and allow HR managers at a district health office, for instance, to update records for health workers in their district.

Now, iHRIS allows users to be associated with a specific region, district, or even a facility and perform tasks related to maintaining health worker records within that locale. For example, a district hospital can manage the participation of their health workers in national training programs while ensuring good coverage for the staff attending training. Doing this maximizes the value of the training and minimizes the negative impact on health services.

This information can then be shared and aggregated at the central level to ensure national policies and programs are meeting local needs. This enhancement will improve data quality and further encourage use of the software for the daily management of health workers.

Supporting individual health workers

Health workers depend on the support of country health leaders for access to education and needed resources, and health workers have a right to equitable access to opportunities for training, promotion, and other benefits.

The new versions of iHRIS Qualify and Manage enable health workers themselves to collaborate in keeping their information current and in tracking and planning their career development. iHRIS now has “self-service” capabilities, allowing health workers to access their own records online and submit necessary changes. For instance, a female health worker can log into her country’s iHRIS system and submit a name change or check her available maternity leave. This gives the health worker participatory ownership over his or her own record while improving the accuracy of data that could affect eligibility for benefits or professional opportunities.

Similarly, currently employed health workers interested in a different post, newly certified health workers, and health workers looking to return to the profession can review the list of open positions in iHRIS. If there is one that they are interested in, they can create an account on iHRIS and enter in their details, such as their name, e-mail, phone number, and resume. They can then add themselves to the applicant pool for any posts they are interested in, simplifying the application and recruitment process.