The so-called e-Health is set to be launched in Slovakia as of January 1st next year, even if not all healthcare facilities and personnel are connected to it. So far only about a third of the total number of hospitals and polyclinics and less than half of private physicians have been connected to the system which requires all health care providers to store patients' data in standard and centralized electronic health records. Less than half of healthcare personnel who asked for the special card they need in order to access the system have received it. This is why private doctors’ associations have asked for the launch to be postponed even if it has already been delayed by about 5 years. It has also exceeded its budget, amidst the threat of penalties imposed both by the European Union which provided part of the funds and the national watchdogs. The Health Ministry decided to launch the system as it is hoping that all facilities and personnel will join as it goes.
As part of the eHealth system, individual examinations will be carried out without the need to record them on paper and print the notes out, as is the case at the moment. Doctors will create an online record based on their patients' examinations, and patients and other doctors treating them will then be able to see the records in an electronic health book on the National Health Site website. They and their doctors will need, however, to use their electronic ID card in order to access it. At the moment only about half of Slovakia’s inhabitants have such a card so a transitional period until 2021 is in place allowing patients to use their current health insurance card, too. Prescribing drugs should also be carried out electronically. Doctors will thus be able to see what drugs have been prescribed to a patient by other doctors.
