"The creative industry and creatives are important in the development of eHealth", stated Health minister Edith Schippers in an intermezzo with Waag’s Creative Care Lab in the beautiful Blue Room of the Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam. From 8 till 10 June 2016, it is all about eHealth.
From the whole world, people interested in the growing field of eHealth are visiting the city. Themes for this sixth edition of the eHealthweek are: 'Empowering People, Trust & Standards en Social Innovation & Transition'.
In the corridors of the building, the theme ‘Empowering people’ has been made visible. It is a relief to see that patients are really participating in the event, and not only the topic of discussion. Very strong was in my opinion the speech of Anne-Miek Vroom, medical socialogist and director of IKONE, who spoke from her wheelchair and wondered why eHealth is still relatively small, while so much benefit can be had of it. Especially for her, as a patient. It is important to determine how the care sector can be changed in such a manner that innovation actually supports the patient.
The Health Ministry announced that 20 million euro will be made available for the development of eHealth applications. Minister Schippers: “I see many eHealth-applications of which I think: this is so good. Why is this not used?”. The ministry can function as a catalyst to bring new solutions to the market. Prevention has priority. The fund are made available in the next months.
