Why do we continue to hide our heads in the sand.
The term "Privacy" has been hijacked by the Luddites in the US to prevent progress, particularly in the health care field. This story from the BMJ this week on Germany's "introduction of electronic health cards" may have hit some technical snags, but the project is moving forward
The electronic card will replace the existing health insurance card, which shows the name and date of birth of the holder and the name of their health insurance company. As well as a digital photo of the holder, the new electronic version will contain information such as electronic drug prescriptions on a microprocessor. Optional medical information such as a record of drugs prescribed, data for emergencies (such as blood group and any chronic diseases), history of surgery, radiography findings, or doctors’ letters can also be stored if the individual asks for it. Patients can also include their own health documentation, such as a disease diary.