The Government of Montenegro has recently presented the draft National Digital Health Development Strategy for the period 2024–2028, aiming to modernize the healthcare system and improve the quality of healthcare services. The strategy is designed to address current challenges and proposes a systematic approach to enhancing data collection, storage, and exchange, working on creating a framework for efficient secondary use of data, primarily in order to support start-ups, scientific and innovative activities and the development of data-based decision-making systems, as well as implementing advanced technologies.
KEY CHALLENGES OF DIGITALIZATION
- Data collection and exchange:
- Existing systems are not adequately structured for efficient information exchange, making it difficult to conduct quality analysis and make informed decisions.
- Shortage of IT professionals and trained personnel:
- There is a lack of IT experts and adequately trained healthcare personnel for the implementation and use of digital systems.
- Knowledge gaps among medical staff:
- Many healthcare professionals lack the necessary skills and training to effectively utilize digital health technologies.
- Legal and regulatory framework:
- The application of advanced technologies such as telemedicine, mobile health (mHealth), and artificial intelligence (AI) is hindered by the absence of proper legal regulations.
STRATEGY FOCUS AREAS
The new strategy identifies six key areas to tackle these challenges:
- Data collection, storage, and exchange:
- Creating a robust infrastructure for structured data handling and secure exchange between stakeholders.
- Improvement of existing IT systems and e-services:
- Enhancing current systems to support seamless digital healthcare operations.
- Implementation of advanced technologies:
- Introducing telemedicine, mHealth, and AI solutions to improve healthcare delivery and access.
- Capacity building for digital health policies:
- Strengthening human resources and institutional capacities for implementing digital health policies.
- Support for research and innovation:
- Leveraging digitalization to advance scientific research and innovation in healthcare.
- Standards and target architecture for data exchange:
- Establishing interoperability standards to ensure efficient and secure data exchange.
A significant focus of the strategy is the introduction of cutting-edge technologies like telemedicine, mHealth, and AI. However, their implementation faces several barriers:
- The lack of a legal framework regulating the use of these technologies.
- A shortage of trained and certified medical personnel interested in or capable of providing such services.
The Ministry of Health as the umbrella institution plays a pivotal role in implementing this strategy, but its success relies on a high level of cooperation between all stakeholders, including government bodies, the private sector, civil society, universities, and international partners. By addressing the outlined challenges and fostering collaboration, Montenegro aims to establish a modern, efficient, and inclusive healthcare system.
