Unlocking the potential of mHealth
The European Commission has launched a consultation on mHealth or mobile health, asking for help in finding ways to enhance the health and wellbeing of Europeans with the use of mobile devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, patient monitoring devices and other wireless devices.
Commission Vice-President Neelie Kroes, responsible for the Digital Agenda, said: “mHealth will reduce costly visits to hospitals, help citizens take charge of their own health and wellbeing, and move towards prevention rather than cure. It is also a great opportunity for the booming app economy and for entrepreneurs.”
Commissioner for Health Tonio Borg said: “mHealth has a great potential to empower citizens to manage their own health and stay healthy longer, to trigger greater quality of care and comfort for patients, and to assist health professionals in their work. As such, exploring mHealth solutions can contribute to modern, efficient and sustainable health systems.”
The Commission said that mHealth services put the patient in control, giving greater independence, and helping to prevent health problems, make a more efficient healthcare system, with vast potential for cost savings, and create huge opportunities for innovative services, start-ups, and the app economy.
