Green IT agenda a top priority for governments

Peter Dinham
Monday, 13 April 2009 13:57

Business IT - Technology

“Indeed, the US stimulus package is well known for its investment in healthcare technology. In total, healthcare is set to receive US$147.7 billion under the US plans, of which some US$19 billion is earmarked for health information technology.
 
“This figure has had healthcare software providers the world over salivating,” says Sargeant, but he cautions vendors against getting too carried away.

According to Sargeant, comparing this figure to the £12 billion the UK is investing in its national programme for IT in the NHS over ten years will help to give some perspective.
 
He says the US funding for the implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) is spread thinly across a much larger country and administered through incentive payments to hospitals via the Medicare and Medicaid organisations. While it will undoubtedly boost investment in EHRs, it is a long way from being sufficient to cover the total cost, Sargeant adds.

“Nevertheless, healthcare IT and EHRs in particular are areas that many governments around the world are currently planning to invest in despite the recession. This presents welcome opportunities for suppliers with the right products or services and an established track record in the sector.”