Just a few years ago, we would have considered any remote contact between a patient and a doctor via phone or video to be telemedicine. A major turning point in the Czech healthcare system came with the mandatory use of eRecept (e-prescriptions) and, subsequently, the COVID-19 pandemic. Fear of personal contact at that time accelerated the introduction of the first reimbursed “telemedicine” service by general practitioners.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a dream of distant future. As a recently published national survey by the Ministry of Health has shown, modern algorithms are gradually becoming a common feature in Czech hospitals and outpatient clinics. Practical experience clearly demonstrates enormous potential for streamlining care; however, experts also caution against blind enthusiasm. The use of uncertified generative models can pose safety risks to both patients and the

Since January 1, 2026, ePoukaz is mandatory, with paper forms only permitted in strictly defined cases. The introduction of ePrescriptions is intended to reduce errors in filling out forms, limit duplicate prescriptions, speed up approval by health insurance companies, and minimize opportunities for fraud. According to the State Institute for Drug Control, it also provides greater comfort and safety for patients, who have their medical devices clearly listed in the eRecept ap

We have developed the EUDAPORT tool, which combines user-friendly and time-efficient data entry for medical devices with formal (and, if desired, content-based) validation in accordance with the rules and data structure of the EUDAMED database. We are continuously responding to current market needs and, in collaboration with GS1 Czech Republic, are pleased to announce an important new feature – the integration of the EUDAPORT tool with GS1 GDSN, within the Synfony catalogue.

A major event shook the entire world of medical devices at the end of November this year. After almost five and a half years of postponements and delays, on November 27, the European Commission published a Decision in the Official Journal of the EU (OJEU) announcing the full functionality of the first four modules of the EUDAMED database. This notification represents a fundamental and absolutely crucial prerequisite for the mandatory use of the EUDAMED database.

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.

EUDAPORT is a new complex service that offers manufacturers of medical devices and IVDs a fast and user-friendly way to prepare, check and bulk upload data to the EUDAMED database as part of mandatory registrations.

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.

On 2 February 2024, the Belgian Presidency announced that the representatives of the EU Member States had already agreed on a final...