10/29/2008

8th Swiss eHealthcare Congress

This two-day event, held in Notwil, Switzerland, in September, hosted over 1,600 participants and 80 exhibitors, and attracted about 100 more visitors than in 2007.

The Notwil exhibition

Many, from Germany and Austria, wanted to ascertain the value Swiss eHealth developments could be to their own systems.

Willy Oggier: eHealth is not just technology but an attitude towards life

Willy Oggier, health economist and President of the Congress Board, said: ‘Switzerland is not especially ahead in this area. We actually need further events of this kind, which emphasise that eHealth should be given top-priority, as this is a strategic task for the entire healthcare system. These findings shaped the 8th eHealth congress with regards to its entire programme development. The issue is not to generate quantity but to steer the decision-making players in healthcare towards action and quality, because Switzerland, as a country lacking in commodities, is in particular need of this innovation.’

Heidi Hanselmann: In the St Gallen canton we now have an administrative council for new hospitals. IT ensures synergies and helps us to utilise joint resources in a better way

Heidi Hanselmann, Administrative President, District President and Principal of the healthcare department in the St. Gallen canton, also underlined the importance of the working group (federation/cantons), which will decide on Swiss standards as a next step. This canton has recognised the importance of eHealth and, in line with solutions developed by other cantons, as well as by European neighbours, will further actively optimise, as well as dispel fears and promote its qualitative advantages.

Report: Guido Gebhardt