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PHCR and MOH/SHA Launch an On-line Help Web Site for MIDAS-3 Users

On January 25, 2010, PHCR and the State Health Agency of the Ministry of Health of Armenia (MOH/SHA) launched an on-line help web site for users of MIDAS-3 – a new automated nationwide healthcare management information system (HMIS) that combines parts of the open enrollment system and the patient encounter system.

The web site that was developed by PHCR and MOH/SHA is located at http://midas.dkhachatryan.net/. It currently allows the users to download MIDAS-3 system user manual, administrator manual, and MIDAS-3 client application. It also provides links for downloading utility programs that are required for MIDAS-3 operation (prerequisite software). In addition, it has a section for reporting MIDAS-3 problems identified by the users, which is managed at the central level of MOH/SHA, and for solutions in the format of instructions or small utility tools to be used by both users and site administrators for fixing the problems. Another important section of the website is the feedback section, which contains contact information of responsible people in Yerevan and marzes who can address technical and other issues regarding MIDAS-3 system. The site is being regularly updated and improved.

MIDAS-3 is one of the four pillars (together with open enrollment, pay for performance, and quality assurance, and serving as their merging point) of the reform process that MOH is implementing with PHCR support. It was developed by PHCR and MOH/SHA through Yerevan Computer Research and Development Institute (also known as the Mergelyan Institute) to replace the existing AGAT and MIDAS-2 systems. MIDAS-3 is installed at three levels: facility, regional, and national/central. To support MIDAS-3 operation, PHCR has conducted several large-scale training courses for computer operators, managers and other staff of all PHC facilities, regional health authorities and SHA offices countrywide.


PHCR builds capacity within its walls

In the fall of 2009, PHCR welcomed the newest member of its staff. Mikhail Melikov recently graduated from the Masters in Public Health program at American University of Armenia, one of PHCRs implementing partners. Mr. Melikov heard about PHCR when Lusine Aydinyan, PHCR’s Team Leader for Healthcare Finance, was a guest lecturer in his Comparative Health Systems course. He found many aspects of the project very appealing, specifically promoting performance indicators and pay for performance. It was the first time he had heard of pay for performance and thus piqued his interest. After graduating, he contacted the project to see how he could become involved, and was offered the intern role he now fills. He has been working with the Healthcare Finance team helping out with implementation of the MIDAS 3 software and analyzing data for the 2008 Household Survey to calculate the proportion of households who fell under impoverishment curve because of health/catastrophic expenditures. He has also been able to attend some of the trainings provided by PHCR and assists the team by calculating participant scores. Before his tenure is complete, he will help prepare reports on the MIDAS 3 training and his experience working with the team. He hopes the experience will build his capacity to help Armenians achieve improved health status by increasing affordable access to care. Mr. Melikov has a PhD in Pedagogy and teaches 2 days each week at the State University of Pedagogy. He is also a retired professional tennis player.

Written by Katie Qutub, MPH
Senior Development Specialist
Emerging Markets Group, Ltd.
A Cardno Group Company


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Project Overview

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Primary Healthcare Reform Project is a five-year (2005-2010) program funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under contract awarded in September 2005 to Emerging Markets Group, Ltd. (EMG). The primary objective of the Project is the increased utilization of sustainable, high-quality primary healthcare services in Armenia.

The Project is implemented in Yerevan and marzes according to the roll-out plan.

All PHCR Project activities are grouped into six core components:

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