Brussels, 22 May 2003

Ministers of EU Member States, Acceding and Associated
countries, as well as EFTA countries met on 22nd May 2003 in the framework of the eHealth 2003 conference organised jointly by the European Commission and the Greek Presidency of the Council.

On this occasion, Ministers expressed their commitment to the development of national and regional eHealth implementation plans as an integral part of eEurope 2005.

Ministers declared their willingness to work together towards best practices in the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) as tools for enhancing health promotion and health protection, as well as quality, accessibility and efficiency in all aspects of health care delivery.

Ministers welcomed the eHealth Conference initiative of the Greek Presidency working in close collaboration with both the public health and information society directorates of the European Commission. Promoting quality of and enhancing efficiency in health care through eHealth applications

The ministers recognised that efficient national planning and evaluation of health policy, as well as cost effective delivery of health care, require speedy, accurate and comprehensive exchange of data. Ministers noted that the accessibility to appropriate health information can be enhanced through the use of secure shared eHealth applications, such as those described in the objectives of the eEurope 2005 Action Plan1, and agreed in the Council?s Resolution2 of 18 February 2003 on the implementation of the eEurope 2005 Action Plan.