N EW YORK, NY April 26, 2006 —Doctors in New York's neediest neighborhoods will get some assistance from the city to computerize their medical records.

Health Commissioner Doctor Thomas Friden says electronic health records will improve the quality, efficiency and safety of medical care which is more than a decade behind the rest of the economy in terms of information technology.

Dr. Neil Calman of the Institute for Urban Family Health says the system will help the city quickly detect outbreaks and bioterrorist incidents.

The city is spending $27 million for the program, while the community health centers are kicking in an additional $13 million. The system is supposed to be operating by 2008, and will serve 30 community centers, which see more than 500,000 patients.