Now patient can access their medical files online and can keep check on their health records with the help of the Patient Vitals scheme, which has been established by non-profit organization MedicAlert.

MedicAlert supplies health records of its member in case of emergency. The scheme was to be launched by Bay of Plenty MP, Tony Ryall and Health Minister today in Wellington.

Anyone can have an access to the scheme by paying an annual membership fee of $30. Already, 132,500 MedicAlert’s members are taking advantage of this scheme. MedicAlert has more than 2,000 members from Tauranga.

Otumoetai man Robin Dutton was one of the first members who signed up for the scheme. Mr. Dutton has been accessing MedicAlert for more than 30 years, after he came to know in 1979 that he was allergic to amoxil, penicillin antibiotic.

Mr. Dutton took benefits of MedicAlert online services and always updates himself about his health records, though he does not have any health problem but keeping a check on his health offers him a satisfaction that if any emergency arose, these services would definitely proved to be fruitful.

"Signing up for MedicAlert's Patient Vitals service means none of that vital health information is hidden, and medical professionals can make diagnoses and treatment decisions with the advantage of the facts", said MedicAlert Chief Executive, Murray Lord.