IfG.CC -
Institute for eGovernment

The Estonian Ministry of Social Affairs (Sotsiaalministeerium, in Estonian) announced on 27 April 2011 that general practitioners (GPs) can already use, albeit in a limited capacity at present, an e-referral system.

The e-referral system was implemented in response to a recommendation made in the audit by the National Audit Office (Riigikontroll, in Estonian) on the GP system. The report said: "In order to reduce the number of unwarranted referrals to medical specialists, the National Audit Office suggested that, based on this audit, the Minister of Social Affairs implement the e-referral feature, and later also the e-consultation system, which would enable GPs to consult with medical specialists without necessarily having to refer the patient on."

Read more: EE: E-referral system is now available to GPs, Ministry confirms

The Estonian government launched a new portal in February 2011 that aims to increase the transparency of local governments and expand citizen participation.

The service portal is based on an open source content management tool which allows for easy and uniform site administration. The developed solution includes a standard website structure for local governments, tools for site administration and built-in interfacing with public registers.

This new web solution is beneficial to both site administrators and citizens who use local government services, as it offers a simple and efficient channel for carrying out various activities. Connections to public registers and pre-completed forms facilitate the use of the services.

Read more: EE: Web environment for local governments released

Estonia.eu, a Web site dedicated to promoting the country, describes Estonia as an “e-country with a favorable business climate and cost advantages that is also open to growth. Successive governments have adhered to the principles of Estonia’s economic success: a balanced state budget, liberal trade and investment laws,” and a strong currency. Today, Estonia is well positioned to face the challenges of the future, and in the past 20 years it has shown remarkable progress. But what about the future? Experts agree that success is not static, and in order to be relevant and competitive, constant innovation is required.

Can Estonia be successful in the future? This article delves into Estonia’s outlook and innovation in the well-known and expected area of information technology, as well as other areas of possible advancement. History has shown that innovation cannot come from a single sector. Innovation must be a progression in most, if not all, areas of economic and civic life.

Read more: Estonia stays ahead of moving target

On 1 February 2011 the Estonian Police and Border Guard (Politsei- ja Piirivalveamet, in Estonian) made available a new type of digital identity, the mobile-ID, which enables the user to provide electronic identification and a digital signature using a mobile phone.

To apply for a mobile-ID, a person must have a valid ID-card, PIN codes and a card reader, and must have a contract with a mobile service provider which provides them with a SIM card. The mobile-ID can be obtained through an electronic application on the website of the Police and Border Guard. Mobile-ID certificates are valid for three years.

Read more: EE: Launch of electronic identity for mobile phone use