Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport

Health is of great importance to everyone, according to the Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Sport (VWS). This realization has become even more evident during the COVID-19 crisis. Ensuring everyone has access to appropriate and affordable healthcare, regardless of age, is crucial now and in the future. Achieving this requires collaboration, a focus on the patient, and creating a supportive environment for all healthcare workers. A healthy society also calls for taking responsibility for ourselves and each other. The healthcare system is built on solidarity to ensure that everyone in need has access to healthcare. While the quality of our healthcare is high, there is a recognition that improvements in the system are necessary.

To provide quality healthcare, it is crucial for healthcare providers to have complete and up-to-date patient information. This can only be achieved through effective data exchange and availability among healthcare providers, both within their own organizations and externally. The introduction of the Dutch Electronic Healthcare Information System (Wet elektronische gegevensuitwisseling in de zorg - Wegiz) is a collaborative effort between the healthcare sector and the government to address this need. Electronic data exchange also aims to reduce the administrative burden on healthcare providers, allowing them to spend more time with their patients.

Under the Wegiz, the healthcare sector and technology providers make agreements regarding language and technology in ICT. This provides ICT providers with clarity on the desired, future-proof healthcare systems and the standards they should meet. Through ICT&health, we provide insights and updates on the latest developments, applications, and requirements. We also facilitate collaborations within the healthcare sector.