Swiss Post helps canton of Geneva with data networking

On behalf of the canton of Geneva, Swiss Post has agreed to manage a pilot project for the electronic networking of doctors, hospitals and chemists.

On behalf of the canton of Geneva, Swiss Post has agreed to manage a pilot project for the electronic networking of doctors, hospitals and chemists.
In this role, Swiss Post is able to use its competencies in security technology and parts of its infrastructure. The pilot test to network the main players in the healthcare sector in Geneva is expected to begin in spring 2009. For this project, Swiss Post will be referring to the canton of Geneva’s new legislation on the protection of patient data, passed on 14 November.
The electronic patient dossier is to be available to all residents of Switzerland by 2015, in accordance with the national e-health strategy. The dossier links documents and data required for the treatment of patients to a virtual patient dossier. By making it easier for specialists to access important information, patients can expect to receive better, safer treatment.
The canton of Geneva wants to press ahead with the networking of those involved and has therefore commissioned Swiss Post as general contractor. As such, Swiss Post is responsible for identifying the needs of doctors, hospitals and chemists by spring 2009 as part of a preliminary project. The scope of the pilot run will be defined as part of this preliminary project. The plan is to design the pilot infrastructure together with other suppliers and operate on an experimental basis.
An upgraded insurance card with an electronic ID will be used for data access and regulating access rights to patient dossiers. Legislation to this effect was passed on 14 November in the canton of Geneva. As part of an initial step, data exchange is to be arranged between doctors in accordance with cantonal legislation on patient and data protection.
Swiss Post is able to apply its knowledge of security technology (PKI and certificates) and card customization. In addition, Swiss Post will also be drawing on its data and document management services.
Swiss Post is already providing comprehensive logistics and financial services for service providers, cost units and the pharmaceutical industry in today’s healthcare market. In the area of healthcare, Swiss Post wants to use its core competencies as a neutral provider to increase efficiency and optimize goods, information and cash flows in Switzerland’s healthcare sector.