Throughout the world, a significant portion of GDP is spent on healthcare. New technologies are increasing life expectations and improving our lifestyle. The cost of this, however, is enormous and it is difficult to finance these huge advancements through the public health systems.
In countries with a clear policy for an advanced broadband infrastructure (i.e. National Broadband Networks/NBN), we see e-health emerging to allow us to enjoy these advances in medical technology at more affordable costs. On truly high-speed broadband networks, E-health is rapidly shaping up as one of the key killer apps.
Millions of people around the world can potentially benefit from e-health applications. Cost savings through e-health are expected to be between 10% and 20% of total healthcare costs. Despite the need for cost saving measures, high-quality health care needs to be provided and maintained. So through e-health at least we can increase quality without increasing costs.
BuddeComm believes that the alternative to not embracing e-health is to accept a significantly inferior healthcare service in the future. Countries that are lagging in broadband infrastructure developments are going to face, not just a telecoms dilemma – but, more importantly, they are going to face a health crisis.