Digital healthcare in Cyprus

Key figures

In June 2019, Cyprus began implementing a new national healthcare system that aims to provide universal healthcare coverage

  • The new healthcare system isfunded by the governmentthrough revenues and contributions. The range of healthcare covered by health insurance has been expanded.
  • The National Health Services Organization (SHSO) is the principal provider of health services. It operates hospitals, clinics and health centers throughout the country and provides services to Cypriot citizens and foreigners alike.

A patient-centric national e-health system

  • Cyprus has taken various steps to introduce digital within its healthcare system. In 2019, the government introduced legislation dedicated to digital health (Cyprus eHealth Law 59 (I)/2019) which defines the legal framework for the national e-health ecosystem, particularly concerning e-prescription and telemedicine. This law created a single eHealth Records Bank (SeHRB) to store the national electronic health records of all citizens. The National eHealth Authority manages the Single eHealth Records Bank.
  • The government has invested in digital health start-ups, providing funding and support for entrepreneurs working on innovative medical solutions. This effort is helping to grow a vibrant startup ecosystem, with companies working on digital medical devices and healthcare applications.

How do I access the Cyprus market?

1. Medical Devices Authority

The Medical Devices Authority regulates the medical devices market. For the installation of medical equipment on the market that is already registered by a European Union member state and therefore bears the CE conformity mark, no registration is required. However, you must notify the competent authority that you are going to introduce a device onto the market. This can be done by completing the appropriate form.

2. Health insurance, which reimburses the medical device

The health insurance system is responsible for granting reimbursement for medical devices. It is the sole purchaser of services from both the public and private healthcare sectors.

Government authorities and platforms

They are the guarantors of smooth operation and cooperation in the healthcare system

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Ministry of Health - The authority responsible for setting and implementing the health policy State Health Services (SHSO) – The institution responsible to support the operation of hospitals, clinics, and health centres across Cyprus, and to provide health care services Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) - This single insurance body covers all Cypriots National eHealth Authority - The responsible authority for implementing digital health services in Cyprus

Trade associations

They bring companies together and facilitate their incubation

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Cyprus Association of Private Hospitals (CAPH) : in charge of the development and promotion of Cyprus as a Medical Centre and the provision of health services in general Cyprus Medical Association (CMA) : This association is in charge of protecting the ethical values of medicine Cyprus Nurses and Midwives Association (CY.N.M.A) : represents the interest of midwives and nurses Federation of Patients Organizations (OSAK) : represents the interests of patients

Training

Universities and their groups that train and support digital health innovations

Open University of Cyprus (OUC) – This faculty offers an applied health sciences and telemedecine programme Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics (CING) – This institute is the leading research center in Cyprus

Specific links

European biobanking project supports the establishment of a contemporary biobanking infrastructure for health data established in Cyprus

Biobank – Centre of excellence in biobanking and biomedical research that provides an infrastructure for health data collection.