The past decade has seen the rapid development and adoption of technologies that change the way we live. As Europe ages and public healthcare budgets come under increasing pressure, technological innovations can provide enormous relief. A rapidly developing field now encompassing more than 100,000 apps, mobile health (mHealth) can have a transformative impact on health. mHealth has the potential to significantly increase the quality and efficiency of healthcare. The GSMA has been working on mHealth for many years now, currently as part of the Connected Living Programme, to deliver life-enhancing services to communities around the world.
On 19 October, Laszlo Toth, Head of GSMA Europe, participated in a panel on digital health at the I-com Institute’s conference on the Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G revolution. He explained that the IoT could potentially save the EU nearly a hundred billion euros per year of healthcare costs, if the EU implements the right connectivity policies. Together with clear and proportionate regulation, the digitalisation of the healthcare sector depends on interoperability and users’ trust.
In September, the European Commission tabled legislative proposals to revamp Europe’s telecoms regulatory framework, as part of a broader new strategy to achieve ubiquitous high-speed connectivity across the EU. Now the European Parliament and Member States can carry forward the proposals, which are designed to develop an environment that will encourage the investments needed to secure Europe’s digital future. In the past couple of years, the EU institutions have agreed rules on data protection, cyber security and net neutrality, followed by new EU regulation on medical devices, which includes very clear definitions. There are more policy initiatives in the pipeline: the Commission has finalised a Code of Conduct on privacy for mHealth apps and the mHealth assessment guidelines are currently being developed. Together with industry partners, such as COCIR and Digital Europe, the GSMA is actively contributing to all of these legislative processes. Clear and proportionate regulation is required to create a climate in which large-scale digital healthcare can thrive.
Users of health apps, wearables and other digital health services also need to know that their data is protected and their privacy is respected. The GSMA has developed important initiatives in this area, such as privacy principles and guidelines, as well as security guidelines for the Internet of Things. Without trust, there will be no data exchange and big data generation.
The third main requirement for developing digital healthcare, not only in Europe, but worldwide, is interoperability: a key enabler to achieve scale and to deliver a plug-and-play experience in digital health.
The GSMA regularly engages with various actors and policymakers in this field and participates in international events, such as the recent Medica Forum in Germany.