At the Radical Health Festival in Helsinki, Joan Guanyabens, director of the TIC Salut i Social Foundation and president of EHTEL, presented Catalonia’s approach to health data management in the context of the European Health Data Space (EHDS).
He emphasised that meaningful digital health progress depends on trustworthy data, strong regulation, and people-centred digital infrastructures. He also highlighted the need for European digital sovereignty and governance to ensure that health data and technological innovation benefit citizens while protecting democratic values.
Source: TIC Salut Social
Catalonia’s strategy treats health information systems as a critical national infrastructure, built on open standards, clear governance, and citizen control over personal data. Several initiatives illustrate this approach. They include the Yellow Button, which allows patients to download their health summary across Europe; La Meva Salut, which provides access to shared electronic health records; and the Health AI Programme which supports AI development in healthcare.
Joan Guanyabens concluded that implementing the EHDS will require a gradual, coordinated transition to new data governance and sharing models based on trust and centred on citizens.
The Foundation also participated actively in the EHTEL Thought Leader Symposium sessions. Representatives Carme Pratdepàdua and Carla Álvarez presented Catalonia’s work on the xShare project, particularly around the Yellow Button initiative, while Anna Benavent spoke in a session on "EHR algorithm communication".
Learn more on TIC Salut's presence at the Radical Health Festival Helsinki.
