In an increasingly digital world, there is growing recognition that the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) is indispensable in the health sector. ICT is essential to ensure cost-effectiveness of healthcare services and to improve efficiencies of health systems. As defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), the term ‘eHealth’ describes the use of all forms of ICT in health. The appropriate use of eHealth ensures the integrity of an individual’s health information which is a key enabler in providing the right care and services to the patient. With safeguards to protect personal privacy, analyses of eHealth data are also contributing to research and health education. The strategic deployment of eHealth also improves the ability of health systems to plan, budget and deliver health care services and supports the decentralization of health systems. Governments are recognizing the importance of eHealth and are gradually developing national policies, strategies and regulatory frameworks for eHealth. This is in line with the WHO’s view that the diffusion of eHealth will promote and support universal health coverage.

The following guidelines address areas that are key to developing the eHealth capabilities of social security institutions that have the mandate of provide health care and medical services. This section focuses on specific eHealth concerns matters in the context of the overall guidance provided by the ISSA Guidelines on Information and Communication Technology. Specific references to individual guidelines are made where deemed relevant and necessary.

These guidelines aim to provide guidance to management and the ICT unit on the essential of the enabling tools and services that would support the institution’s business capacities in eHealth. The guidelines may require the operational teams to develop their skills on eHealth.