ACCESS Health conducted a comprehensive study to investigate the impact of digital technology in advancing universal health coverage (UHC) in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The study explored how digital solutions can enhance access to healthcare, improve health outcomes, and increase affordability of medical services.
Resources:
https://accessh.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Cisco-White-Paper-Digital-Technology.pdf
Leveraging digital technology to advance Universal Health Coverage in Southeast Asia with actionable strategies for technology companies.
To study and describe the role of digital technology in achieving UHC in Southeast Asia.
To communicate opportunities for digital technology companies to support UHC
To develop a 10-point action plan for digital technology implementation in healthcare.
A detailed qualitative research approach was used to analyze and provide recommendations on digital health policies and infrastructure.
A head of state mandate should be put in place to ensure access to necessary funding and cross-ministry coordination for eHealth in national development plans.
Governments must invest in necessary Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) infrastructure that underlies the eHealth strategy.
Governments and the private sector need to share a mutual interest in and responsibility for training medical personnel and civil servants in technology capabilities and applications.
Parliament or the national assembly should cement a mandate for digitizing healthcare in national legislation, protecting patients and enabling innovation.
A centralized agency should be positioned to coordinate national eHealth projects across ministries; across district, provincial, and federal levels of government; and with patient associations, medical associations, and businesses.
Impact, affordability, and cost-savings metrics should be built into every digital health intervention from the early stages of planning and extending to an assessment of health outcomes.
An effective eHealth strategy requires an approach led by the Ministry of Health that is transparent and multi-sectoral, including a clear vision for how the government will work with the private sector and a willingness to work with non-traditional partners.
The government should work with and empower the private sector to innovate, share knowledge, and deliver efficient healthcare services.
Technology investments and policies should strive to create equality and not focus primarily on urban areas or high-income groups.
Innovators must engage and collaborate with users early on, aiding seamless clinical adoption and ensuring digital health interventions meet patients’ habits, lifestyles, and needs
