EU health insurance card to replace forms: The new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is set to replace all paper forms for European citizens who require health care services while temporarily abroad in Europe. Launched earlier this month in 12 EU countries plus Norway, the EHIC will initially replace the E111 form, which entitles temporary visitors to other EU states to free emergency treatment if required. The card will eventually replace all other health forms, including those needed by students and job seekers while in other EU countries, and it is envisioned that a version of the EHIC incorporating a chip holding key information will be launched in the future. The card, which will be valid for up to two years, should make it easier for travellers to receive health care, while reducing paperwork and simplifying administrative procedures for health care services across Europe. Although officially launched on 1 June, several countries are phasing in the EHIC gradually, and all EU states are obliged to introduce the card by 31 December 2005. Ireland has launched a dedicated Web site, www.ehic.ie, to provide information about the new card.
Government IT spending to hit USD40bn in 2004: Government spending on IT in Western Europe is set to reach USD40 billion this year, according to new research from IDC. Central government spending on IT will grow 6.3 percent in 2004, while local government IT spending will increase to 6.8 percent, the research firm says. Looking ahead, IDC predicts that central governments in the region will spend USD29.6 billion on hardware, software and IT services by 2008, up from USD22.4 billion in 2003. Meanwhile, local governments will spend USD21.1 billion on the same areas by 2008, up from USD15.6 billion last year. "Western European governments are continuing their transition toward citizen-oriented and leaner organizations, supported by integrated e-government systems," said Massimiliano Claps, senior research analyst at IDC. The research firm forecast that a number of areas will fuel IT spending, including e-government development, the introduction of information management tools, and implementation of security and mobility solutions.
US must improve marketing of e-gov services: The US government needs to market its e-government services more effectively to the public, according to the findings of a new survey conducted for the E-Gov Institute's Government Solutions Forum, reports FCW.com. The study assessed public awareness and the usefulness of three of the Bush administration's 24 e-government initiatives: Recreation.gov, which provides information on national and state parks and on outdoor activities; GovBenefits.gov, which advises users on their eligibility for federal benefits; and the IRS Free File site, a free tax preparation service for certain people. Only 11 percent of those surveyed said they had visited Recreation.gov; 12 percent had used GovBenefits.gov, and just 22 percent were aware of Free File. The low figures are at odds with perceived demand for such services; for example, 50 percent of those questioned said they had visited a national or state park or been involved in outdoor activities in the past year, while 33 percent said they had investigated government benefits themselves. Still, survey respondents said that when they do visit government sites, they find them to be useful and informative.
Switzerland revises portal project: The Swiss government is scaling back ambitious plans for its federal Internet portal. The Web site, www.ch.ch, was launched three years ago and at the time it was understood that the portal would eventually host interactive services, including facilities for civil servants to log in and make contact with various authorities. Now, however, a number of canton authorities (mini-states with separate laws and administrations) are blocking efforts to develop transactional e-services, by refusing to pay the full cost of the development. The authorities' e-government plans were reviewed last autumn on account of the cost and complexity of the portal project. Although the cantons are in favour of the initiative, they say they want the site to function purely as an information portal, without any interactive elements. The cantons say they want to make a reduced contribution to the project of CHF1.2 million (EUR788,000) out of a total budget of CHF3.6 million (EUR2.36 million).
Dubai extends 24-hour citizen service: Dubai's Police Department has signed up to take part in the government's AskDubai information service for citizens. AskDubai provides round-the-clock information on over 30 key services across multiple channels, including a toll-free telephone number, e-mail and fax service. Users of the service will now be able to obtain information on topics such as obtaining a driver's licence, vehicle registration, vehicle transfer, and fines inquiries and payments. "AskDubai has been especially created to handle the large volume of calls generated by departments like Dubai Police," said Mahmood Al Bastaki, business process re-engineering consultant, Dubai eGovernment. "We expect the trend of outsourcing call centre requirements to gather further momentum, as it allows the departments to attend to their core operations and also rest assured that the response mechanisms are being taken care of by experts," he added. Four other government departments have adopted AskDubai since its launch last year: the Dubai Development Board, Land Department, Dubai Municipality and Dubai Civil Defence.
Quelle: Electric News Net, 09.06.2004
