IBM to Deliver Cloud Service for New Zealand Health Ministry; Andrew Buchanan, Graeme Osborne Comment

The New Zealand Ministry of Health has signed a five-year deal to implement IBM’s cloud platform to manage a network of health information technology systems.

IBM said Tuesday the country’s Ministry of Health will use IBM Cloud Managed Infrastructure Services for New Zealand Government program to run the National Health Payment System and the National Health Index, a database used to coordinate the delivery of health services in the country, using a system of data centers.

IBM cloud service is also designed to help government agencies in New Zealand to quickly develop new IT applications and reduce spending on storage equipment and servers.

“We continue to invest in advanced technology infrastructure vital for New Zealand’s long-term economic growth,” Andrew Buchanan, cloud business leader at IBM New Zealand.

He added that IBM’s cloud platforms will work to “support new, enhanced services for the public, suppliers and staff.”

Graeme Osborne, director of the national health IT board in New Zealand, said, “The agreement is a key element in improving the Ministry of Health’s ability to deliver shared services for the sector, which enables secure access to personal health records for patients and their healthcare providers.”

The New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs runs the Government Information and Communications Technology Common Capability Infrastructure-as-a-Service committee, in which IBM is a member.