Cross-border digital health services were officially launched on Friday, with Health Minister Michael Damianos highlighting the reform as a major step toward the future of healthcare in Cyprus.

The launch took place at the presidential palace, followed by the signing of an agreement outlining the structure and content of digital health records.

Cyprus is the 16th country to join the European framework for the provision of e-health services.

Through the EU’s eHealth Digital Service Infrastructure (eHDSI), member states can securely exchange medical data – including lab results, imaging, and discharge summaries – enabling patients to receive high-quality healthcare even when abroad.

The platform also gives healthcare professionals direct access to patients’ medical histories, improving diagnosis and treatment.

Damianos said the implementation of the e-health services and the digital health files constitute significant steps toward modern, comprehensive healthcare management.

Health, he added, was a fundamental right for all. As people travel more frequently within and outside EU borders, it is difficult for health professionals to access medical records, especially in an emergency.

“The European cross-border health services are the main element of the EU strategy for the digitalisation of healthcare and the safe exchange of data between member states,” Damianos said.

The eHDSI platform allows access to medical records and the subsequent provision of high-quality services to patients.

Damianos pointed out that cooperation between EU member states was of utmost importance and that “trust between countries is strengthened when the people see that this cooperation leads to more accessible and qualitative health services, while at the same time keeping their personal data and medical records safe.”

Cyprus, he added, was at the forefront of digital transition in the health sector and the platform reflected the government’s commitment to innovation, quality and effectiveness in health services.

Deputy Minister for Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou added that using technology in healthcare and broader digitalisation are now essential. He noted that artificial intelligence and innovation are reshaping entire sectors of the economy.

Damianou said the MyHealth@EU network was not just a technological platform, but a substantive step towards the EU-wide unification of digital health infrastructure, through which people could receive personalised and reliable care wherever they are within Europe.

Damianou underscored the platform’s importance for Cyprus, given the large number of European tourists visiting the island each year.

The first services will be made available through the gov.cy portal, Damianou said, adding that Cyprus has already begun the final checks to join the network of each of the 15 countries already connected.

This, he said, was expected to be fully completed by the end of June.

Chairman of the National eHealth Authority Constantinos Pattichis said the goal is to improve both the quality and efficiency of healthcare services. He explained that digital patient records will include information such as allergies, vaccinations, and surgeries.

Cyprus is now the eighth country to offer all key services – such as patient summaries and e-prescriptions – for both Cypriots at home and abroad, and for tourists visiting the island.

By the end of June, all services will be available across the participating countries, he said.

He added that further services – including medical imaging and hospital discharge reports – are expected to be introduced in October. The first full phase of digital medical records is planned for completion by March 2028, which he acknowledged is a major and complex undertaking.

On behalf of the medical association, George Miltiadous hailed the launch as a milestone for the country’s healthcare system and the beginning of a new era.

The launching of the system was also welcomed and praised by chairman of the pharmaceutical association Ploutarchos Georgiades and chairman of the patients’ association, Charalambos Papadopoulos.