Cyprus to benefit from EU Health Data Space regulation says eHealth Authority Head

Cyprus and its citizens will benefit from the European Health Data Space (EHDS) regulation said Head of National eHealth authority, Professor Constantinos Pattihis who participated in a high-level event in Brussels.

Professor Pattihis noted that Cyprus will now have the possibility of seamless and secure cross-border exchange of electronic health data, facilitating timely and evidence-based decision-making for safer and more personalized healthcare services.

According to a press release by the National eHealth authority, the event named “European Health Data Space - Unlocking the future of Europe’s health data together”, was organised under the auspices of the Polish Presidency of the EU, on the occasion of the final adoption and publication of EHDS Regulation.

Pattihis underlined that Cyprus aims to build on the results of the Xt-EHR project, funded by HaDEA (European Health and Digital Executive Agency)  and led by the National eHealth authority. He said that the authorities in Cyprus aim at incorporating the project’s results, which include the establishment of guidelines and technical specifications for electronic health record systems, the development of certification frameworks and the promotion of the adoption of telemedicine services.

Professor Pattihis also noted that all these efforts are directed towards achieving compliance with the objectives of the European Health Data Space (EHDS) in the upcoming call for tenders by Cyprus for a National Electronic Health Record.

He furthermore said that an important aspect of the European Health Data Space for Cyprus is expected to be the standardized, secure and interoperable exchange of health data, which will directly enhance clinical decision-making, access and patient care.

Pattihis also said that Cyprus faces demographic challenges, such as an aging population and a notable prevalence of chronic diseases, which are further exacerbated by the significant influx of over 4 million tourists annually, who require reliable and effective access to healthcare services.

He also stressed that in the long term, EHDS regulation is expected to offer strategic advantages by creating a robust and interoperable European health data infrastructure, capable of rapidly mobilizing coordinated responses during health crises.

(Source: CNA)