Over the past 15 years, SPMS has established itself as a reference in health digitalisation, continuously investing in global collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing. This journey has been driven by the strategic work of the Administration board supported by the Global Digital Health and International Affairs Team, whose efforts have positioned SPMS at the forefront of digital health, with active participation in international projects and the development of initiatives shaping the future of Digital Health in Europe and the world.
SPMS continues this commitment, focusing on major European projects, with the EUVAC and eCAN Plus initiatives standing out in 2025.
The European initiative EUVAC (Digital European Vaccination Card) aims to develop a pilot for the implementation and operationalisation of the Digital European Vaccination Card, integrated into the European infrastructure MyHealth@EU. This initiative will facilitate the secure and efficient cross-border sharing of vaccination data, enabling citizens to share this information with healthcare professionals in other Member States. Additionally, it will create recommendations for adapting this information to other scenarios, promoting the verifiable portability of data, as in the case of the Digital COVID-19 Certificate.
With its experience in managing services such as MyHealth@EU, implementing the Digital COVID Certificate, and participating in the WHO Global Digital Health Certification Network, SPMS will play a crucial role in ensuring that the new card aligns with national needs and European and international strategies. SPMS’s active participation in working groups with other Member States will further reinforce its leadership in digital health strategies and the development of the future European Health Data Space (EHDS).
Building on the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and continuing the previous eCAN initiative, SPMS will participate in the joint action eCAN Plus (Enhancing the Digital Capabilities of Cancer Centres in the European Union to Improve Prevention and Care), set to begin in May 2025. The aim is to enhance the digital capabilities of cancer care centres across the European Union (EU). The project will promote training, digital collaboration, and the implementation of telemedicine solutions in oncology, while also creating a secure framework for the use of health data.
Given that cancer represents one of the biggest public health challenges, this joint Member State action will have a significant impact on society and healthcare systems by strengthening cooperation between national and European institutions. SPMS’s participation will be crucial in ensuring the harmonisation of decisions and supporting prevention and care measures in oncology through telemedicine tools and improved health data sharing.
The eCAN Plus and EUVAC initiatives are clear examples of SPMS’s commitment to the digital transformation of health, reflecting 15 years of dedication to innovation and the development of a more integrated and secure digital health ecosystem. With the support of the Global Digital Health and International Affairs Team, SPMS will continue to ensure that Portugal plays an active role in global digital health strategies, shaping a more collaborative and innovative future. The goal is to ensure the development of more innovative healthcare services while enhancing their quality, benefiting both citizens and healthcare professionals.
Disclaimer: The EUVAC action is co-funded by the European Union, EU4Health Program 2021-2027 under Grant Agreement Nr. 101183190. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HaDEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
