| 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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