| Abstruct | Nowadays, ICT (Information and Communication Technology) increasingly receive
attentions as one innovative solution to realize effective medical service provision. Although
the technology, commonly called “e-Health,” seems charming in view of relieving the health
expenditure burden without sacrificing the well-being of citizens, many countries have showed
cautious attitude toward its adoption. In contrast, Estonia had taken e-Health as national
strategy to improve their healthcare problems in the early 2000s, hitherto various eHealth
services such as e-Prescription and e-Ambulance are provided to support citizens, medical
professionals and policymakers. Based on the argument that public perception of “risk”
determines the priorities and legislative agendas of regulatory bodies, this research aims to
discuss the reason why Estonia adopted eHealth into its health policy relatively smoothly
compared with other countries. We suggested that some institutional and social characteristics,
such as advanced ICT-ecosystem, an innovative policy friendly media environment, and a
relatively abundant opportunities for talented graduates majored in health care technology to
work at administrative departments are critical for Estonia to make such achievements. |
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