New health data portal represents ‘significant advance’
- The San Juan Daily Star
- Nov 13, 2024
- 1 min read
By The Star Staff
The Puerto Rico Department of Health launched a new data portal on Tuesday that replaces the previous dashboard focused on COVID-19, expanding access to information on infectious diseases, public health and epidemiological surveillance.
The portal is available at https://datos.salud.pr.gov/
“This portal represents a significant advance in our commitment to transparency and the availability of reliable data, ensuring that citizens have access to essential information for their well-being,” Health Secretary Carlos Mellado López said in a written statement.
The new website allows users to consult and download data on various conditions of public interest, such as dengue, hepatitis C, influenza, HIV/AIDS and respiratory syncytial virus, among others. The tool facilitates informed decision-making for disease prevention and control, the Health secretary said.
The project, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is part of the Department of Health’s data modernization efforts to strengthen the public health response and ensure access to reliable and accessible information.
The health data portal isn’t just about tracking numbers; it’s about improving real-life patient experiences. For those with serious or chronic illnesses, timely and accurate medical data paired with access to palliative care can greatly enhance quality of life, ensuring comfort, symptom management, and a more coordinated approach across multiple healthcare providers.