Digital technologies are becoming an increasingly important part of the healthcare sector, offering new possibilities for diagnosis, treatment and patient monitoring. Although Slovakia is making progress in the digital transformation of its healthcare system, there are still differences compared with other European Union countries.

Digitalisation in healthcare presents a huge opportunity to streamline processes.

Slovakia is currently investing in the digitalisation of the healthcare sector with the aim of improving access to healthcare and the efficiency of the services provided. A key pillar of this transformation is the introduction of the electronic health record (EHR), which enables better coordination and monitoring of patients’ health data. Other digital initiatives include telemedicine, electronic prescriptions and digital services for patients.

Compared with other European Union countries, Slovakia is still lagging behind when it comes to the digital transformation of its healthcare system. For example, in some EU countries, advanced electronic health record systems are already in widespread use, enabling faster access to information and better collaboration between healthcare providers. Furthermore, some countries have well-developed platforms for telemedicine and online consultations, which improve access to healthcare for the population.

Estonia is often cited as a leader in digital healthcare in Europe. It has an advanced electronic health records system that allows patients to access their own data and ensures the efficient exchange of information between healthcare providers. The Scandinavian countries, which are renowned for their digital innovations, are also among the leaders in Europe.

Despite the current gaps, Slovakia has the potential to catch up with and even overtake some EU countries in the field of digital transformation in healthcare. However, this requires innovation and investment in digital technologies, and so we must trust that in the coming years we will see improvements in the accessibility and quality of healthcare in Slovakia too.