Despite the changes that have taken place in information technology over the past decade, most of the world’s hospitals are still mired in the 20th century.
Records are often kept on paper stored in cardboard files. Crucial X-rays are frequently misplaced. Dangerous drugs are sometimes wrongly prescribed as a result of overworked doctors’ illegible handwriting.
Read more: Middle East leads the way in improving networked readiness
Meeting the challenge of the digital age is a daunting task, but one that must be met head on to transform government to citizen and business services, improve government efficiency, increase national productivity and international competitiveness.
Read more: Middle East eGovernment leaders build best practice ICT services
mGovernment services offer mobile phone users access to online government services and information, providing quicker and easier access.
"By 2010, the Middle East can expect eGovernment services going mobile and providing citizens of the region with immediate access to a range of services such as trade and industrial support, national healthcare, visa and immigration applications and local government community support," explained Ghoul.
Read more: mGovernment services to launch in the Middle East by 2010
The awards organized by the Middle East Excellence Awards Institute, to highlight the best examples of ICT planning and implementation by business and government organizations from the Middle East.
Read more: Winners of 11th Middle East ICT Excellence Awards announced