Moldova prepares to connect to European medical data exchange network

The Republic of Moldova is preparing to connect to the European platform for exchanging medical data, which will eventually allow a prescription or medical summary issued in the country to be recognized in another European state. The subject was discussed at the Ministry of Health during a mission by experts from the European Commission, conducted through the TAIEX instrument.

On the second day of the mission, discussions focused on the development of the electronic health record, the institutions responsible for digitizing the healthcare system, and mechanisms for the safe use of medical data for research.

One of the topics addressed was the creation of a national contact point for eHealth and the steps required to connect the Republic of Moldova to the European infrastructure for exchanging medical information.

At the same time, the authorities are examining the creation of a specialized institution to manage the electronic health record and national systems in the field. Currently, responsibilities for healthcare digitization are divided among several institutions, with no single operator in place. The solution discussed with European experts involves establishing a dedicated structure with its own staff and autonomy to ensure the development and administration of digital healthcare systems.

Another focus of the discussions was the operationalization of the health data access body. This body will enable the use of medical information for research and to support public health decisions, subject to strict security and data protection requirements.

Experts from France and Finland presented mechanisms through which access to data is granted based on applications assessed according to public criteria and permits establishing mandatory conditions. Information is processed in a secure and isolated environment using pseudonymized data, while the results are reviewed before being made available to applicants. The mechanism also provides patients with the right to object to the use of their data, as well as a public register of approved projects.

The experts' mission will conclude on November 4, with discussions on the legal framework required to protect medical data, the national electronic prescription and its recognition abroad, the secondary use of data, and the creation of a trusted research environment. The conclusions will then be formulated and a timetable for subsequent actions will be established.

TAIEX is the European Commission's instrument for technical assistance and information exchange, through which public administrations are supported in adopting European Union standards and best practices. The mission in Chisinau is being conducted in cooperation with the European Commission and the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova and is part of the country's alignment process with the European Health Data Space.