All actions thus far regarding the implementation of the so-called e-health project in Latvia were aimed at only absorbing the European Union funds, not achieving specific goals, reports LETA, according to the State Audit Office.
Thus, the State Audit Office is concerned that Latvia could lose the relevant EU funding.
If the audit finds that the project's goals have not been achieved and the EU funds have been spent for purposes other than intended, Latvia will have to provide EUR 11.3 million to cover the cost of the project.
Despite the fact that the e-health system is to be launched in 2016 and EUR 14.5 million has been spent on the project so far, residents still have no access to none of the 31 planned services. The Health Ministry has confirmed that a small portion of these services, such as issuing of e-prescriptions and sick leaves, will become available as of October.
It has also been concluded that about half or 46% of the project's implementation measures are still pending.
Had the project been implemented already in 2013, it would earn EUR 3 million by 2016, according to a study conducted by the Health Ministry. There are significant shortcomings, due to which the e-health project is still not operational, the State Audit Office's board member Inga Varava told media representatives Tuesday.
The auditors have pointed out a lack of control over the project, failure to inform the public, and frequent changes in the project's managing staff.
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Quelle/Source: The Baltic Course, 08.09.2015
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