Details of the characteristics of the market (at the European and national level), and the policy framework used to provide and manage provision of health services (at the European level) are identified and described.
It is identified that substantial difficulties are normally experienced in the deployment of telematic systems and services for this industry sector, and that few projects have been able to demonstrate social or economic benefits.  The health industry sector covers the three main areas of activity:
• Health care;
• Health protection;
• Health promotion;
In most member states these activities are integrated at least partially, and services supplied by a large number of different organisations.  These countries that have high levels of integration of services are demonstrably able to secure similar health outcomes more cost-effective than countries with lower levels of integration.
The level (and cost) of provision of healthcare, and eligibility to services by individuals is mainly determined by member states.  Approximately 80 per cent of European healthcare is provided / purchased by General Government.  European institutions are responsible for identifying, developing and enforcing standards in partnership with member states for health protection.  Health promotion activities are provided by a large number of organisations and interest groups (at the European, national and regional level).
Health protection is identified as the main area where European institutions have competence.  The benefits that it provides are mainly developed through the application of its directives to other industry sectors (i.e. particularly transport and environment), and ensuring that people have access to the information they need to ‘enhance’ and protect their health.  Initiatives seeking to develop technological solutions in these areas at the national and European level are identified.

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