HEALTH : MEPS SEE NEED FOR BOOSTER SHOT TO E-HEALTH.

• Position: Brief article

The European Commission has fallen behind in developing its 'E-health action plan 2012-2020' and the European Parliament wants to give it a booster shot.

An own-initiative report, adopted by the plenary on 14 January in Strasbourg, urges the EU executive to "continue working towards the wholesale adoption of e-health" throughout the EU. E-health solutions "have the potential to increase the well-being of patients, especially those with chronic illnesses, because it is easier to treat them at home," points out Francoise Grossetete (EPP, France). E-health "also suggests major progress in preventing and treating numerous illnesses through telemedecine, personalised medical files and the online scheduling of appointments. We have to shift up a gear in this area," continued the MEP.

The report by Pilar Ayuso (EPP, Spain) estimates the global telemedicine market at US$11.6 billion in 2011. "It...