In general terms, Ambassador Schmid pointed out that it was quite obvious that digital health experienced an above-average upswing in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly supported the existing trend of digitalization in the health sector and has acted as an innovation booster, in Switzerland, in Serbia and likely around the globe. He stated that in Switzerland as one of the most innovative countries of the world, digital transformation was an important driver of progress and prosperity, but also reminding that such a transformation, especially with regard to sensitive issues like healthcare, imposes a number of challenges and threats, ranging from technological maturity and scalability, to data governance and privacy concerns which need to be addressed before digitized procedures and data exchange solutions can be institutionalized to strengthen public and private health services.

The ambassador emphasized that public discussions and round tables such as this one organized by the Swiss-Serbian Chamber of  Commerce are just another important step in trying to understand the implications of digital transformation in healthcare and to discuss how this transformation can be further advanced and speeded-up to the benefit of a more effective and client centered healthcare. In this context, Ambassador Schmid, mentioned that Swiss investors play and will continue to play a leading role in supporting the digitalization of the Serbian economy through their investments in innovative solutions, the creation of highly qualified jobs and contributing to sustainable and inclusive economic growth to the benefit of all citizens of Serbia.”