Laws governing electronic medical records and prescriptions for medication came into force two years ago. At that time the deadline for these systems to be in use was set at the spring of 2011. The entire project is now well behind schedule.

The system is in part intended to improve services. Both the state and local governments see it as a step in upgrading the cost efficiency of public medical services.

Originally, electronic services in the medical sector were only to be developed for use on the local level. Soon after, the plan was expanded to the regional level, and then it was decided that a national system would be created.

Implementation of the system has run into a range of technical problems, most commonly software used in different areas that is incompatible and unable to communicate with neighbouring systems. Critics say that the project is attempting to create an entirely new type of service that has never been tried elsewhere and that has created serious challenges.

Testing of the electronic prescription service is being started, and there is a chance that it can be introduced in some localities next year.

However, officials say that the national project will have to be re-examined and it is likely that a national system of electronic services will be introduced in stages. This will require changes to the law and hundreds of more decisions in both the public and private sectors.