Health systems worldwide are undergoing transformations driven by new technologies, including digital tools, artificial intelligence, and precise medicine. These innovations are reshaping healthcare delivery, enabling more effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, which are resulting in improved health outcomes for individuals. Despite this technological progress, nothing can replace the compassionate human touch fundamental to healthcare. At the heart of medical services remains the need for patient-centered care.
With Europe facing healthcare worker shortages, increasing aging populations, the health impacts of climate change, and new public health threats, the demand for healthcare services has reached unprecedented levels. Therefore, the urgent integration of innovations within traditional health service delivery models is critically important.
During recent discussions, representatives from member states, partners, civil society, healthcare workers, and digital health advocates examined how these trends impact health systems across Europe and Central Asia. By acting now, participants aim to leverage digital innovations to serve the health and well-being of present and future generations.
The Benefits and Challenges of Modern Technology
Big data and artificial intelligence are not only empowering personalized healthcare, but they are poised to revolutionize health planning through predictive modeling and trend analysis related to demographics and public health. These developments allow health systems to anticipate patient flows, optimize resource allocation, and improve the efficiency of both medical and social care personnel.
Yet, these advancements come with significant challenges. Safeguarding patient rights and privacy of personal data is imperative. Concerns also arise over the high costs and limited accessibility of new technologies, particularly for marginalized groups, alongside the influence of private companies motivated by commercial interests. This underlines the importance of addressing equitable access to healthcare services.
Decision-makers require tools and knowledge to adequately implement these new technologies within healthcare. A comprehensive grasp of the potential of digital health technologies to improve both access and quality will eventually strengthen health indicators at both individual and population levels.
The upcoming session, organized by the WHO Regional Office for Europe, marks the third public hearing focused on preparing the European Programme of Work 2 (EPW-2). The goals of this hearing include discussing the transformative power of rapid technological progress for health systems, determining the strategic changes needed to utilize technological advancements effectively, balancing individualized care with the efficiency afforded by AI tools, and examining the role of citizens and communities to combat 'digital isolation.'
Among the key speakers are Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO's European Regional Director, Spain's Minister of Health, Mónica García Gómez, and Azerbaijan's Minister of Health, Teymur Musaev, along with several prominent health experts from various countries. This series of hearings seeks to provide member states, civil society representatives, and other partners with a platform for sharing views and discussing health priorities and recommendations for creating a unified health agenda for the European Region through 2030 and beyond. The insights gained will feed directly back to EPW-2 and aid in addressing pressing health challenges and enhancing equity and resilience within society.
Simultaneously, innovative applications are transforming healthcare experiences for everyday individuals. For example, for Meerim Baktybekkyzy, 33, from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, managing vaccination schedules for her three children recently became significantly easier. Thanks to the 'Tündük' state service—an accessible mobile application—she no longer worries about missing doctor appointments or losing important medical records. 'All my children's vaccination data is on my phone. The app sends personal reminders and provides detailed information about each vaccine. I no longer have to stress, allowing me to spend more time with my family,' she shared.
This application is built on the immunization management information system, iEmdoo, which is part of the national digital health ecosystem 'Sanyrip MED,' developed with support from the European Union and WHO to modernize Kyrgyzstan's healthcare infrastructure. Every child receives a digital vaccination card at birth, where all immunization information and applicable exceptions are displayed in real-time, along with medical advice. Parents access all this data securely through the 'Tündük' app.
This innovation eliminates the need for parents to keep paper records and ensures timely vaccination for children. 'I no longer have to memorize dates or search for documents. The app takes care of everything,' Baktybekkyzy noted.
'Integrative digital tools within Kyrgyzstan's health systems demonstrate our commitment to enhancing population health. By supporting projects like iEmdoo, we are not only refining immunization mechanisms but also making strides toward universal healthcare coverage,' explained Dr. Liviu Vedrasco, WHO's representative in Kyrgyzstan.
The rollout of the iEmdoo system, which streamlines vaccination records making them more accurate and accessible, marks significant progress in the digital health field within Kyrgyzstan. Already implemented at maternity wards across Bishkek, the system is continuously developing, and evaluations by WHO confirm its effectiveness. Personal vaccination reminders enable families to plan doctor visits without missing vaccinations, with the system adapting and improving over time. This transformative digital solution significantly aids families in Kyrgyzstan to care for their children's health more effectively.
Support from the European Union has facilitated the establishment of the iEmdoo system under a jointly financed initiative aimed at strengthening immunization mechanisms and enhancing the digitalization of health systems for universal health coverage across Central Asian republics including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan from 2022 to 2026. The project is envisaged to assist health ministries in achieving goals outlined by the European Immunization Agenda 2030.