Asia Urbs

President Barack Obama, at last, George Mason University and its plans for the economy said. He steps on the computer's main promise of this paper is to take health records within five years. While still expensive practice management software medical examinations medical errors, waste reduction Obama, according to eliminate bureaucracy. This is definitely a good decision, but what challenges and obstacles of this initiative have? What are the advantages of using this exercise?

Difficulties and obstacles

Many challenges and health in the United States to prevent computer systems are for complete information.

1] high costs - at Harvard University and other institutions $ 100 billion initiative that application during the 10-year waiting period may cost estimate.

2] special studies required for work - to establish and keep records to electronic health system that require technical and specific information can be very task. This is unfortunately hard to find now, information technology, mobilization requires a large number of health workers. Therefore, many IT professionals are training health workers.

3] the patient's privacy - the patient's medical records should be kept secret because of their sensitive nature of effects. The confidentiality of health records and records-based computer hackers are creating new problems errors.

4], HIPAA compliance issues - Today online systems do not meet many medical HIPAA [Health Insurance Mobility responsibility act], Law and Health Policy.

5] care and medical records of the current situation - only 17 per cent of hospital doctors and computer users in the health records 8% per time. In most systems are still very, very much to do it, use paper tape.

Great benefits

If the above concerns and challenges are resolved successfully, however, have many benefits expected. Obama's plan of a main objection is that the cost. Obama plans to implement while about 100 billion dollars would cost, but drug companies spend about $ 2 billion a year. Thus, a small amount compared with the expected benefits, measurement can bring. Also according to expert estimates, records may be $ 300 million per year for Informatica health system in the health sector to save. Another advantage to create new jobs needed to implement the number of personnel and to protect computerized health record be kept. Some estimates put the amount of 212,000 jobs were created. standard health care system and document the patient's health information providers easier monitoring. savings would be more for each family, the U.S., to reduce such health care costs.

That is what this initiative is an important step? Or a shot in the dark? Since the economy, we know the risks and challenges to overcome innovative and visionary plans should contain. In addition, the digital future. All I've ever seen a computer-based systems. Why health systems and health records must be kept will be different? This initiative certainly improve the quality of care and reduce healthcare costs, if all things are going well.

Paol Navon, Director
Vincen Rotg, Operations Manager
Aliso Eade, Information and Communications Manager
Claudin Kesteloo, Administration and Finance Manager
Fryn Arche, Administrative Assistant to the Director
Caroly MacPoli, Assistant to the Managers

Partnerships are at the core of the Asia Urbs Programme and the basis upon which the European Commission hopes to improve mutual understanding and awareness between Europe and Asia. Dialogue and trade initiatives can establish links and contribute to economic development but practical partnerships lead to a sharing of everyday knowledge, activities and approaches to problem-solving.

To gain the most from developing an Asia Urbs Project it is vital to find appropriate partners whether in Europe or in Asia. Asia Urbs provides three forms of assistance in the search:

* Use of Suggestions on How to Find a Partner (see below)
* Use of the Partner Search Database
* Use of Resource Sheets (in preparation)

HOW TO FIND A PARTNER

1. Clarity
Be clear on the areas in which you wish to work so you can be clear on what to look for in a partner. Review the 'Areas of Interest' section of the Registration Form for ideas.

2. Existing contacts
Do not under-value international contacts already made by your town. Determine the formal and informal contacts held by staff in your organisation and explore them for developing potential partnerships with towns in another country.

3. Local associations
Many local government, municipal, professional and business associations (chambers of commerce, etc.) already have links with other towns in other countries. They may be able to provide you with possible partners.

4. Regional and international associations
There are some Asian, European and international associations which may be able to provide information to help you in your search. These are listed in the Asia Urbs Resource Sheet-1-Associations.

5. Embassies
Some embassies are keen to offer advice on which towns in the country might be interested in working with you. Be aware, however, that other embassies are unable to fulfil this function. (Any embassy requiring additional information from Asia Urbs is invited to contact the Secretariat directly).

6. European Commission Delegations
EC Delegations may be able to provide you with information from the Asia Urbs Programme.

7. Partner Search Database
This is an interactive database on the Asia Urbs Website. It is a self-help database which you can use in two ways:

* To register your organisation's interest in finding project partners (input details)
* To search the database for other organisations seeking partners (make a search)

You are strongly requested to enter details and to search the database yourself. If you have problems you may submit a printed copy of the completed Registration Form to the Secretariat which will enter details on your behalf though you will still have to undertake the searching yourself.

The Asia Urbs Magazine presents details of the Programme and its state of progress. It also seeks to encourage debate and information sharing on urban development issues - particularly those being addressed by the Asia Urbs funded projects.

The Asia Urbs Secretariat welcomes articles for the magazine and those interested are invited to contact the Secretariat. Feedback and 'letters to the editor' are also welcome.

To download the files, first click on the right button of the mouse, then select 'save target as' and complete.

Issue #2, Autumn 1999, Urban Culture: diversity and heritage
Issue #1, Summer 1999, Meeting the Challenges

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Click on the logo to download a free copy.

# Familiarise yourself with the Asia Urbs Programme
Read the web pages:

* What is Asia Urbs?
* Updates
* Registration Form (AU-RF1)

# Ensure you are eligible to submit a project
You must be a local government/authority in one of the following countries:
Asia

Bangladesh
Bhutan
Brunei Darussalam
Cambodia
India
Indonesia
Lao PDR
Malaysia
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Philippines
Singapore
Sri Lanka
Thailand
Vietnam

European Union

Austria
Belgium
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Ireland
Italy
Luxemburg
Netherlands
Portugal
Spain
Sweden
United Kingdom

Other organisations in public and private sectors may still be able to be involved in the Asia Urbs Programme but only through a local government body.

# Find two partner towns with which to develop a project
Each partner town or city should contribute to the design and implementation of the project, providing facilities, human resources, skills and expertise, experience or similar inputs. To help you find a partner Asia Urbs has some useful suggestions on the Finding Partners web page.

If you are a non-governmental organisation (NGO), a community-based organisation (CBO), an academic or educational establishment, a business, chamber of commerce, association or other organisation, you may still be able to work with the Programme but only by a local government/authority delegating certain project activities to you. The Asia Urbs Programme can still supply you with information but you are requested to form links with a local governement/authority before attempting to prepare a project proposal.

If you cannot find a local government partner, do not proceed with the application.

# Select one or more area of urban or socioeconomic development in which to develop a project
A list of areas that the Asia Urbs Programme is able to fund is presented as part of the Registration Form. Please note, this list is providing suggestions only, you are not limited to these Areas of Interest.

The European Commission (EC) is particularly keen to fund projects with a socioeconomic component addressing minority groups (women, ethnic groups, youth, children) and poverty alleviation.

# Prepare a project document with budget
The project proposal documentation must accord to the official EC format for presentation. Please follow the Practical Guide carefully.

# Submit your documentation
The Second Call for Proposals will be announced in the Official Journal of the European Communities and on the Asia Urbs Website (see latest Update). In accordance with instructions published in the Call document, submit your Project proposal by registered post to:

Asia Urbs Secretariat
205, rue Belliard
1040 Brussels
Belgium

The Programme can only accept proposals from local governments/authorities.

# Registration
You do not have to register with the Asia Urbs Programme to be able to submit a project proposal. However, you do need to register if you wish to:

* subscribe to the Asia Urbs Magazine
* or to enter your details on the Partner Search Database

You can access the form by clicking one of the following links:

* Registration Form - use this version for downloading and emailing, or for printing and posting (To download the files, first click on the right button of the mouse, then select 'save target as' and complete.)
* On-line Registration Form - use this version for directly entering your details into the Partner Search Database on-line. You will automatically receive the Magazine.

To download the files, first click on the right button of the mouse, then select 'save target as' and complete.

# Queries
An 'Information Pack for the Second Call' is being compiled which may be available from your local European Commission Delegation. If you have any questions or if you would like the 'Information Pack for the Second Call' when it becomes available, please contact the Asia Urbs Secretariat at the address above or:

The Asia Urbs Update is a one-page file outlining the stage of progress of the Programme. It is of particular use to applicants, collaborators and officers of the European Commission.

Issue 6, July 2000
Issue 5, May 2000
Issue 4, March 2000
Issue 3, February 2000
Issue 2, January 2000
Issue 1, December 1999

This page provides more general information in the field of urban development. It also includes sources of further information which may be of use to organisations interested in submitting projects to the Asia Urbs Programme for funding.

Please note, however, that organisations mentioned on this page or via one of the web links are not official collaborators of the Programme and may not be aware of its existence. If you get in touch with one of these organisations please be aware of this.

Best Practices Databases
The websites listed here give access to on-line databases helpful in providing ideas and inspiration for urban projects.

Associations and networks - international & regional
Associations and networks dealing with local government, municipalities and urban issues.

European Commission
These sites relate to EC-funded programmes and initiatives in urban-related topics.

Country specific websites
These sites relate to specific countries within the Asia Urbs areas of interest.

General resources

If you have any site that you think should be included here, please send details to the Secretariat.

Following the Strategy for Asia produced in 1994 the European Commission (EC) designed several programmes to bring nations of the European Union closer together with those in Asia. Cultural, economic and development programmes were established to encourage exchanges and provide opportunities for working together.

The Asia Urbs Programme is a cultural programme supported by both the development and economic funds of the Commission. Its main activity is to fund two-year development projects, or six-month studies, which seek to improve living and environmental conditions for those living in urban areas. As one of its aims is to strengthen 'decentralised cooperation', these projects must be designed and implemented by local governments in Asia together with others in Europe.

For more information on the European Union and its institutions see the websites:

* European Commission: http://europa.eu.int/comm/index_en.htm
* European Union Institutions: http://europa.eu.int/inst-en.htm

Sustainability
The decentralised approach encourages the active participation of local communities which helps to achieve longer-term commitment and sustainability. The Asia Urbs Programme strongly encourages the integration of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), academic or educational institutions, associations, and business to to be a part of the projects it funds. Each of these groups embraces a different set of skills, experience and outlook - all of which could effectively contribute to an innovative and sustainable development project.

If successful, the projects funded by Asia Urbs should be suitable for replication in other areas. This 'replicability' is also encouraged by the European Commission (EC). As only two years' funding is available through the Programme, the projects should be designed to be sustainable after the funding has finished.

Mutual benefit
Through working together the Asian and European nationals, and those from different sectors of the community, will rapidly learn from each other and benefit from the collaboration. As they share their expertise, experience, knowledge, and facilities and outlook such greater awareness will lead to innovation, ensure the project is successfully reaching its beneficiaries, and that it can be shared with other projects and organisations.

Areas of interest
The projects can be in any area of urban development and should focus clearly on a geographical area. Those addressing two or three urban issues, particularly if they seek to improve the situation for disadvantaged groups of society, are more attractive for funding.

The projects can involve some infrastructural development but this must be balanced by activities to directly improve the welfare of local people. It can include the improvement of management and planning systems, of policy development, of health and marketing schemes, rehabilitation of buildings, water and sanitation systems, etc. The Programme will consider funding disaster prevention activities, education initiatives and care in the community. The Registration Form and guidelines provide more ideas for potential funding areas.

Eligibility
Towns and cities in the 15 members of the European Community and in selected countries of South and South East Asia are eligible to apply to Asia Urbs for funding. They must, however, develop a project team which includes at least two local governments in the EU and one in Asia. (If you are interested in applying to the Programme, please see How to Apply to be sure you are eligible.)

Support
Asia Urbs can provide upto 65% or 500,000 euros (about US$500,000) of the total cost of a project. The project partners must provide the balance of 35% either in cash or in kind.

Process
The Programme follows seven basic steps:

1. Call for Proposals
by European Commission

2. Partner Search
by interested local governments

3. Provision of Guidelines
by Asia Urbs Secretariat

4. Submission of Proposals
by Lead Partner of Project Applicants

5. Screening of Proposals
arranged by Asia Urbs Secretariat

6. Notification and contracts
by Asia Urbs Secretariat and Lead Partners

7. Implementation, monitoring and evaluation
by Project Applicants and Asia Urbs Secretariat

Where to begin
The Asia Urbs Secretariat recommends you begin by viewing