The project HEALTHNET aims to improve access to primary health care in the rural cross border areas where population has difficult access to healthcare units. In particular, in both regions a mobile health care unit will be purchased. Each mobile unit will be properly configured and equipped with medical and ICT equipment. Additionally, each unit will be staffed with health care professionals, i.e. a doctor, a nurse and a physician. An information system for recording the medical history and the exams of the patients will also be developed. The mobile units will operate through a regulated plan (protocol, under supervision of the installed joint committee on both regions), with responsible care professionals who place an emphasis on early diagnosis and prevention (e.g. not only vaccination but also learning elementary self-management techniques to remain healthy) and utilizing the nowadays Information and Communication technologies.
Within the framework of a common strategy (roadmap), each region will formulate its business plan for the mobile unit service including the service-, the technical- unit’s soft/hard ware requirements. According to this plan, the pilot application of the mobile health units is set up in order to form a well-functioning network with the other primary health care organizations. The project promotes social inclusion and combats poverty and discrimination as it provides healthcare services to people of remote areas who do not have easy access to healthcare structures. Consequently, it reduces inequalities in terms of health status.
However, HEALTHNET’s more significant contribution to the Programme is the improvement access to primary health care at isolated and deprived communities in the cross border area.