Health services across Vanuatu are expected to become more accessible and reliable following a new agreement between the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Civil Registry and Identity Management Department (CRIM).
From a press release it states that the Framework of Cooperation signed this week will allow health facilities to use the National ID system to accurately identify patients, helping ensure people receive the right care, at the right place, and at the right time. The partnership is expected to reduce delays, minimise duplication of records, and improve continuity of care — particularly for people accessing services across different health facilities.
The initiative is especially significant for rural and remote communities, where patients often move between clinics, health centres, and hospitals. By linking health services with the national identity system, health workers will be better equipped to track patient history, improve follow-up care, and ensure accurate health records are maintained throughout a person’s life.
Speaking at the signing, Ministry of Health Director General Ms Shirley Tokon said the partnership responds directly to service delivery realities on the ground.
“The Ministry of Health is a ministry where most of our services are delivered in rural areas. It is about time that this partnership is put in place with the Civil Registry to ensure that data and information for everyone, everywhere, are properly captured,” Ms Tokon said.
The framework will also support faster and more accurate registration of births and deaths through improved coordination between health facilities and the Civil Registry. This will help ensure that citizens are formally recognised and recorded from birth, while also strengthening national health and population data.
Director General of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Mr Leith Veremaito, welcomed the agreement, noting that accurate identification is essential for effective public services. He also stressed the importance of protecting personal information as systems become more connected.
For citizens, the changes are expected to mean easier access to health services, fewer administrative barriers, and improved protection of personal data. At a national level, better data quality will support stronger health planning, disease surveillance, and resource allocation.
The Ministry of Health says it will continue working with CRIM and other government partners to improve service delivery while ensuring privacy, confidentiality, and compliance with national laws remain a priority.
Photo credits: Ministry of Health
