24/04/2024 (Agence Europe) – On Wednesday 24 April, the European Parliament approved the interinstitutional agreement on the creation of a European Health Data Space. The compromise text was adopted with 445 votes in favour, 142 against and 39 abstentions (see EUROPE 13372/2). It will enable patients to access their health data electronically, including from a Member State in which they do not reside, and will allow healthcare professionals to consult their patients’ records with their consent (primary use) from other EU countries too. These electronic medical records will include patient files, electronic prescriptions, medical imaging and laboratory results. The agreement must now be formally approved by the EU Council. The regulation will come into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. It will have to be applied two years later, with a few exceptions. (LC)