E-Health in Pakistan: Issues and Prospects

Abstract

In connection with access to information in developing countries, information flows through existing networks of communication is a main theme in the current IS literature . Information-intensive infrastructure is a requirement for information dissemination due to the shortage of network infrastructure in the majority of developing states. It is verified by many researchers that information managing technologies with their main purpose of ‘handling information’ have the advantage to enhance already existing technologies by making better information-communication a priori to new ICT innovations .Presently health information system infrastructure is deficient in resources to meet the demands and needs of increasing population in developing countries. Health care systems of developing countries have major barriers like poverty and lack of technological sophistication. The basic difficulties or barriers in using information technologies include poor or inadequate infrastructure, insufficient access to the hardware and inadequate or poor resources allocation. By eliminating these barriers population health status can be improved in developing countries. This study aims to determine the main issues and prospects for e-health in the current situation of developing countries like Pakistan and the way forward for policy makers to manage all issues in future for more effective and rational decision-making in healthcare organizations.

Keywords: E-health, Issues, Prospects