NBN to boost healthcare ICT spend to $2.4 billion

By Peter Dinham
Thursday, 18 June 2009 10:58

Market

The National Broadband Network is set to give Australia's ICT sector a multi-billion dollar boost through the rollout and delivery of e-health services over the next three years.

The ICT financial bonanza is expected to flow to the industry through the transformation of Australia’s healthcare sector as a result of the soon to be released recommendations from the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission (NHHRC).

According to IDC in a report released today, the potential of the NBN, combined with the upcoming recommendations from the NHHRC, will see ICT spending in Australia by the healthcare industry climb to around $2.4 billion by 2012.

IDC’s senior market analyst, vertical markets, Melissa Martin, said today the NBN would help bring e-health initiatives closer to the Australian people.

“In 2009, providers will see a new urgency in aligning services with national goals for efficiency, access and quality,” Martin said, advising that vendors should be prepared to “catch these healthcare initiatives at the beginning of this crest."

Martin said the NHHRC was developing a long-term health reform plan for a modern Australia, due mid this year, with a focus on health financing, maximising a productive relationship between public and private sectors and improving rural health.

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