ABSTRACT
Logic suggests that employing information and communication technology (ICT) to deliver health care at distance would be useful to address at least some of the problems in developing countries. Governments as policy-making organizations play a pivotal role in formulating regulations in the health sector. The contribution of the government is particularly important in developing countries, where the public health system is usually the major provider of services. Reluctance to use e-health may also stem from certain prejudices. International agencies such as the World Health Organization, the United Nations, the World Bank and certain regional organizations have recognized the value of ICT in development. Policy makers must have a more open-minded attitude towards e-health. Aspects such as inertia, reluctance to change and a lack of political will are also important factors that prevent policy makers from considering e-health as an alternative for addressing health problems in developing countries.
