Management of health information of Nepalese labour migrants

Abstract IntroductionThe monitoring and improvementof the health of labour migrants (LMs) require sufficient health data to be recorded and managed. In this context, this study was conducted to understand the management of health information of Nepalese Labour Migrants (NLMs).MethodsThis is an explorative qualitative study. Stakeholders involved directly or indirectly in maintaining the health data of NLMs were first mapped, physically visited, and any documents or information was collected. Then, sixteen key informant interviews were conducted among these stakeholders related to labor migrants' health information management and challenges. A checklist extracted information from the interviews, and thematic analysis was carried out to summarize the challenges.ResultsGovernment agencies, non-governmental organizations, and Government approved private medical centers are involved in generating and maintaining the health data of NLMs.TheForeign Employment Board (FEB) records deaths and disabilities of NLMs while at work abroad and maintains an online portal of the Foreign Employment Information Management System (FEMIS) to collect and report migration-related data. Health assessment of NLMs is a mandatory procedure before departure, which is done through the government-approved pre-departure private medical assessment centers. The health records from these assessment centers are first recorded in paper-based form and then entered into an online electronic form to be stored by the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE). The filled-up paper forms are sent to District Health Offices, which further report the data to the Department of Health Services (DoHS), Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) and associated governmental infectious diseases centers. However, there is no formal health assessment of NLMs upon arrival to Nepal. Key informants raised various issues and concerns in maintaining health records of NLMs, which were grouped into three themes: lack of interest to develop a unified online system; need of competent human resources and equipment; and inclusion of various health indicators.ConclusionThe FEB and government-approved private assessment centers are the main stakeholders in keeping the health records of NLMs.Health records of NLMs have not been systematically kept in one database and shared with governmental health agencies. It is necessary to keep health records electronically in one database with relevant health indicators on departing and arriving NLMs.