The following article published in eHealthNews features the excellent work being done that includes some NZHIT members that will enable New Zealanders to visit selected digital health websites for free as part of a three-month trial.  

Congratulations to the Ministry of Health, WellSouth, Spark, Vodafone, ConnectMed and ManageMyHealth for playing a part in this fantastic initiative.

New Zealanders will be able to visit some digital health websites for free as part of a three-month trial run by the Ministry of Health, Health Promotion Agency and WellSouth.

Three telecommunications companies – Spark, Vodafone and 2degrees – are involved in the proof of concept to provide zero-rated data for three websites run by the Health Promotion Agency and two patient portals used in the southern region, starting on 1 May.

Ministry of Health group manager digital strategy and investment Darren Douglass says key metrics around data volumes and usage will be measured, with the aim of improving the use of digital technologies to provide access to health services, particularly for people in lower socioeconomic groups. The Ministry would negotiate data charges and be the gatekeeper of the white list of websites, and agencies wanting to take advantage of the agreement would have to meet agreed criteria and fund the data costs for their customers, says Douglass.

If the pilot is successful, the Ministry aims to create a framework agreement with the telecommunications providers that allows specific digital health services to quality for zero-rated data.

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eHealthNews.nz editor Rebecca McBeth

First posted by eHealthNews nz