National e-Health Authority evaluates proposal to replace medical CDs with digital links

The National e-Health Authority (EAHY) has issued a statement regarding the ongoing practice of delivering medical imaging results—such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs—on physical digital discs (CDs) in Cyprus. As of September 15, 2026, the EAHY addressed a proposal from the Health Insurance Organization (OAY) to transition toward providing access via secure electronic links to improve patient convenience and streamline medical workflows.

The Authority acknowledges that the current reliance on CDs causes significant inconvenience for patients and hinders healthcare professionals, particularly when immediate access to historical medical data is required for diagnosis or ongoing treatment. While the EAHY deems the shift to electronic links a useful transitional step, it emphasizes that this measure is not a permanent solution. For the transition to be effective, it must adhere to national standards for security and interoperability to avoid the creation of fragmented or isolated information systems.

Ultimately, the EAHY maintains that a comprehensive and unified electronic access framework is necessary. Future efforts will focus on establishing these national standards to move beyond the temporary replacement of physical media with links, aiming instead for a fully integrated system that ensures patient data remains accessible and secure across the healthcare network.