title: Perspectives and Challenges of HMIS Officials in the Implementation of Health Management Information System (HMIS) with Reference to Maternal Health Services in Assam.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Health Management Information System (HMIS) is one of the important components of National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). The web portal of HMIS was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW), Govt. of India (GOI) in 21(st) Oct. 2008 to enable capturing of public health data from both public and private institutions in rural and urban areas across the country.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to assess the quality perspectives and challenges among HMIS officials in implementing HMIS at their respective levels, i.e. district and block level.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a pilot qualitative study in two districts of Assam. HMIS officials working at district and block level were interviewed in-depth with the help of a semi-structured interview schedule which lasted from May to July 2014.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both HMIS and MCTS (Mother and Child Tracking System) formats were considered useful, by the HMIS officials, for data collection, planning at various levels, tracking maternal and neonatal deaths, institutional deliveries. HMIS officials reported that MCTS is useful for monitoring individual health status especially the status of the mother and child and HMIS being helpful as a health facility monitoring tool.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study used a small sample size, hence similar type of studies are required with large sample size to understand the perspectives and challenges of HMIS officials in the implementation of HMIS.
authors: Independent Public Health Researcher, Pune, Maharashtra, India .
authors: Janmejaya
authors: J
authors: Samal
authors: Faculty, Goa Institute of Management , Panaji (Goa), India .
authors: Ranjit Kumar
authors: RK
authors: Dehury
keywords: Anemia; Antenatal care; High risk pregnancy; Mother and child tracking system