The coronavirus pandemic has shown how quickly processes can be digitized in all business segments, including healthcare. Teleconsultations, communication via chatbots, digital AI assistants and applications and similar digital solutions have been increasingly used globally. About 10 years ago, Croatia was one of the EU countries that could boast of an enviable level of digitalization of healthcare and the healthcare system. However, the level of digitalization of healthcare and the healthcare system has begun to stagnate.

AmCham believes it is time to bring back focus to the process of digitalization and the importance of digitalizing healthcare itself, if we are to become leaders in this field. 

In its recommendations, AmCham refers to the need of digitally connecting the hospital system, IT system for primary healthcare and IT system for care and rehabilitation; development of analyses and system surveillance which will lead to improved outcome treatment and cost rationalization; encouraging the development of digital and software solutions aimed at encouraging health and illness prevention.

State Secretary prof. Bašić welcomed AmCham’s presented proposals and called for even greater cooperation between representatives of the public and private sectors.

The participants in the meetings agreed that Croatia can boast of quality individual digital and IT solutions, and that the harmonization of the entire system will be one of the major challenges in future steps to improve eHealth services. What is encouraging is the awareness and understanding of the competent authorities for the need to upgrade and find resources, including from EU funds, for the future upgrade of eHealth system.

AmCham representatives at the meeting included Andrea Doko Jelušić, AmCham’s Executive Director, Jurica Tothe, member of the Healthcare Committee (Medtronic Adriatic), members of Digital Economy Committee Anamarija Mlinarić (Oracle) and Nina Šegota (Roche) as well as Svjetlana Momčilović, AmCham Policy Manager.