The process of computerisation will play an important role towards achieving the intended health system reforms. At a national level, an eHealth project funded by the European Social Fund has already been established. It was explained that the computerisation of health services will facilitate mobility, increase patients' safety, provide healthcare workers with access to various parts of the patients' electronic medical records, as well as to electronic x-rays and expert sources (e.g. medical electronic libraries and educational material).
The Minister of Health, Dorijan Marušič welcomed the active participation of an involved public, "because otherwise you cannot imagine a motivated and successful process of implementation of such important changes (...)," he noted. Criticism is not the only thing expected to derive from the public debate; many new proposals and counter-proposals will provide useful solutions to content, ensuring time and cost-effectiveness for the Slovenian health care system.
Improved geographical accessibility to health services is to be achieved by combining operations in regional centres or by transferring knowledge among primary, secondary and tertiary levels. Integration and networking of health institutions means less administrative burden and thus, more medical staff available, more efficient use of equipment and other resources, and therefore better patient care. Among key health systems challenges are the upgrade of health funding and the implementation the health insurance reform, so as to streamline public expenditure dedicated to health.
At the same time, the ministers highlighted the need to ensure that the interests of private providers will not compromise the supply of health services. The Ministry should achieve a clearer separation between public and private sectors. The sole purpose of making concessions should be to ensure access to private services where public providers are unable to meet the needs of patients.
Long-term plans were presented to upgrade the health system, strengthen prevention programmes and promote healthy lifestyles. Chronic non-communicable diseases are the most important cause of premature mortality and morbidity. With early detection, risk factors for the occurrence of many diseases can be prevented. To this end, citizens' fast and convenient access to medical information can ensure prompt, active and properly care of their own health.
Further information:
- Original Press Release - Ministry of Health of the Republic of Slovenia (in Slovenian)
- Related Press Release - Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia
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Quelle/Source: epractice, 01.03.2011
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