Estonia rises to top of European Digital Decade e-health rankings

TALLINN - Estonia improved its position in the annual Digital Decade e-health rankings, achieving the maximum score of 100 percent.

The 2024 Digital Decade overview notes that Estonia succeeded in meeting the e-health targets set for European Union member states by 2030 last year, and Estonia continues to be a "trendsetter" in this year's report as well.

Only two member states have achieved full e-health readiness, or 100 percent of a possible 100 percent, -- Estonia and Belgium, followed by Denmark with 98 percent readiness. The average indicator for EU countries rose to 83 percent in 2024.

The Digital Decade e-Health Indicator assessment is based on dozens of different indicators that reflect people's ability and convenience to digitally access their key health data.

"It is pleasant and motivating to be Europe's trendsetter, but at the same time we still have many opportunities to improve the accessibility and efficiency of our healthcare services with digital solutions, as well as to contribute even more to personalized medicine and prevention thanks to the development of new technologies such as artificial intelligence," Jaanika Merilo, head of digital policy at the Ministry of Social Affairs, said.

"While dealing with the challenges and concerns of our digital solutions on a daily basis, it's easy to overlook how convenient it actually is to do things in Estonia, especially things related to one's health," Nele Labi, deputy secretary general for innovation, said.

"When it comes to health issues, the solutions of our small Estonia serve as an example, being a pioneer not only in Europe, but throughout the world. This is the result of systematic work done over the years, to which our doctors, nurses, patients, and various companies have contributed," Labi said. "Digital solutions in healthcare save money, help us notify about free medical appointments faster, warn about drug interactions, allow us to buy prescription drugs in another country, and much more."

The compilation of the European Digital Decade e-health rankings is headed by the European Commission.