The EU has adopted Regulation (EU) 2023/2854 on data (Data Act). The aim is to create a uniform framework for fair and secure sharing of data from connected devices and digital services, strengthen user rights, and promote innovation across sectors. The Data Act will also have a significant impact on healthcare, particularly on medical devices that collect and transmit data on their use or on the patient's health status.

The European Commission has launched a review of the European Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Device Regulation (IVDR). The aim is to reduce the administrative and financial burden, which in practice mainly affects smaller manufacturers and hinders innovation. The Czech Republic actively participated in the consultations and sent its comments and suggestions for improvement to Brussels.

The Ministry of Health has opened the first testing environment for Central Electronic Healthcare Services. The new interfaces will enable healthcare providers and software suppliers to test connections to key national systems and prepare for their live operation. For example, the Root Registry of Patients, Temporary Storage, and eApplications are available.

Every now and then, a new term pops up in Czech healthcare, which then occupies a significant amount of space in public professional discussions, without us being able to tangibly see its practical application in the system. This category certainly includes the areas of digitization, HTA, and AI. However, the Ministry of Health has decided to take a different approach to the issue of telemedicine health services.

From 1 January 2026, medical devices will have to be prescribed electronically. The traditional paper form will remain valid only in a very limited number of exceptional cases. Prescribers, dispensers, and their IT system providers now have six months to ensure proper implementation.