NZ public health services to get more cybersecurity tools under single Microsoft contract – Healthcare IT News
The New Zealand Ministry of Health has negotiated a single digital services contract with Microsoft for the country’s health and disability system.
WHAT IT’S FOR
The agreement, executed by digital health services provider Spark Health, will deliver a number of benefits, including NZ$27 million ($18 million) in savings over three years and enhancements in cybersecurity protection. It is expected to support sector reforms, which cover the ministry, Health NZ, Maori Health Authority, and district health boards and their shared service agencies.
Worth NZ$45 million yearly, the Microsoft deal will also provide new health sector entities with IT and software services.
The MoH on behalf of the health sector manages both Microsoft and Spark Health contracts.
WHY IT MATTERS
The negotiated deal came as the MoH was due to renew its service contract with Microsoft this year. The ministry and DHB information chiefs have decided to consolidate their Microsoft license agreements as part of this renewal process.
Normally, government agencies individually sign their contracts with Microsoft under a unified all-of-government head agreement negotiated by the Department of Internal Affair every three years. The health leaders see a single contract for the sector affording them “additional concessions”.
In support, a shared strategic roadmap was also developed “to maximise value from the investment” and maintain the consistency of use of Microsoft technology across health agencies. Most of the contracted technology “underpins the digital services provided to primary and community health organisations, so it makes sense to be consistent,” said Darren Douglass, group manager for digital strategy and investment, data, and digital, at the MoH.
Meanwhile, the updated deal will see more cybersecurity tools deployed at public health services, improving protection and resilience to cyberattacks.
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