Minister of Health, Hon. Rudyard Spencer says he expects that there will be less complaints from customers of the Registrar General’s Department about access to the Department’s services and information. Minister Spencer made the remarks as he officially launched the RGD’s Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) system which will facilitate improved communication to the Department’s Head office and Regional offices.

Speaking at the event today (Friday, February 05, 2010), held at the RGD’s Twickenham Park offices in SpanishTown, St. Catherine, Minister Spencer said the system will enhance the telecommunications capacity of the Department and improve the delivery of service to the its customers. “I am pleased to note that customers will be better able to contact the RGD and have access to a wide range of services through this system. There have been many complaints in the past especially since the landline system was destroyed in 2007. Now VOIP will have even more features that will increase the customer service capacity of the RGD,” he said.

The RGD’s PBX system was destroyed by lightening during a thunderstorm in 2007. One hundred cellular phones were purchased to facilitate continued communication with customers. The new VOIP will have 110 lines, with 85 located at the head office. Persons may call 619-1260 or 749-0550 to access the system.

VOIP allows voice calls using a broadband internet connection instead of the regular land line system. It will also allow for improved accountability and management of telephone usage within the Department. Come April, customers will be able to use their telephones to track their applications 24 hours a day.

After a tender process, Illuminat was awarded the contract valued at $US158,000 to provide the VOIP to the RGD. The system has been in place since January 29, 2010 and was extensively tested with approximately three thousand calls received during the week following.

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Contact: MOH, Public Relations Unit - Tel: 967-1561