Describing the IVR as "another significant achievement", Dr Holness pointed out that it features a main menu, which will give customers five options from which to select when checking on applications including birth, marriage and death certificates. She explained that it requires customers to insert their 11 or 12-digit application tracking system (ATS) receipt number, assigned to each application.

"One of the advantages of this system is the availability of the service, which is accessible 24 hours per day. The RGD's customer base is worldwide, and so this will give persons the opportunity to gain access to the ATS at their convenience," she advised.

She assured that the system's introduction would not result in a reduction in the number of RGD's customer-service representatives.

She added that the system is user friendly and should not create any problems once the necessary steps are taken. However, if assistance is required, the call will be routed to a customer-service representative.

The IVR is expected to significantly enhance the RGD's ability to handle its high volume of daily calls which, she disclosed, averages more than 2,000. A pilot test was successfully conducted with more than 8,000 customers accessing the system.

Acting chief medical officer in the Ministry of Health, Dr Eva Lewis-Fuller who represented portfolio minister, Rudyard Spencer, said he was "very excited" about the development and congratulated the RGD for "a step in the right direction".

"The RGD has been continuously seeking innovative ways in which to better satisfy its many customers and this is an important tool which, I believe, will make significant inroads in achieving this objective," the minister's message said.