Nicosia: Digital health is entering a new era in Cyprus with the development of the Integrated Electronic Health Record of the Citizen (IEHRC), which is expected to consolidate essential health information of every citizen into a unified, secure, and interconnected digital environment, participants at the 9th Cyprus Health Conference heard on Thursday in Nicosia. The President of the National Authority for Electronic Health (NAEH), Professor Constantinos S. Pattichis, presented the design and latest developments for the implementation of the IEHRC, highlighting the changes being initiated in the field of digital health.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the new electronic record will function as a single point of data collection for health, including, among others, medical history, prescriptions, laboratory and imaging results, hospitalizations, allergies, and information related to transplants. The goal is to enhance the continuity of care and facilitate citizens' access to their health information, while also reducing the need for repeated examinations and the management of scattered medical documents.
The presentation by the President of the NAEH revealed that the total budget for the project amounts to pound 21,110,000, while the overall implementation duration has been estimated at 84 months. The announcement of the tender for the Feasibility Study is scheduled for September 2026, while full operation of the system is anticipated for December 2029.
Alongside the development of the IEHRC, the myHealth Cyprus application was presented, which is intended to serve as the main digital gateway for citizens to access electronic health services. The first phase of the application, which extends until December 2026, includes secure identification via CY Login, searching for health service providers and pharmacies on duty, as well as the ability to use a Panic Button for sending immediate notifications.
During the second phase, from October 2026 to December 2027, full integration with the General Health System (GeSY) is expected. Through the application, citizens are anticipated to gain access to their personal medical profile, receive notifications for repeat prescriptions, and manage their personal doctor.
Of particular importance for Cyprus' further integration into the European digital health ecosystem is the institutional upgrade of the NAEH. As mentioned in the presentation, by decision of the Council of Ministers, the NAEH has been designated as the official Digital Health Authority of the Republic of Cyprus for the implementation of the new European Regulation for the European Health Data Space (EHDS). The European framework aims to create a common health data ecosystem in Europe, enhancing the ability for secure cross-border access and exchange of health data, while also providing for the use of data for research and innovation purposes, with the necessary safeguards.
In this context, Cyprus is already utilising European infrastructures, including MyHealth@EU, which supports cross-border exchange of electronic health services, while preparing for the further development of its capabilities in the European Health Data Space. At the same time, Cyprus participates in European initiatives and projects in the field of digital health, including the European Digital Vaccination Card (EUVAC) and the eCAN+ oncology care programme, strengthening its participation in European actions for the digital transformation of health.
The development of the IEHRC and the gradual implementation of digital services signify the transition to a more interconnected model of providing and managing health services, with the citizen and the secure management of their health data at the centre.