The management capabilities and performance of primary health care (PHC) can be
improved by strengthening the information system. This study focuses on the
Palestinian Health Management Information System (HMIS), used in PHC and
reports on the achievements and shortcomings. A retrospective review and content
analysis of the HMIS documentation was carried out and a Strengths, Weaknesses,
Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analyis was used to identify potential
opportunities and risks. Clinical information and epidemiological surveillance
systems have been implemented. Further subsystems, such as PHC registry,
occupational health and public health laboratory have been created. The on-line
website disseminates PHC information and reports (www.moh.gov.ps). The SWOT
analysis reveals a viable Palestinian HMIS. Widening of the implementation of the
clinical information system will improve health policy and management in Palestine
and improve the primary health services’ functioning, effectiveness, efficiency and
performance. Efforts to mitigate the thereats of the the Palestinian HMIS are needed.