Patients in Czechia may notice fewer paper forms at doctors’ offices from this week, as the Health Ministry rolls out the first phase of a new national digital healthcare system, following some initial technical issues at launch.
From Jan. 2, doctors and patients can access the National Portal of Electronic Healthcare, which introduces electronic referrals, digital medical assessments, and new tools linked to the EZKarta mobile app. The changes affect GP surgeries, specialists, and hospitals across the country, though not all providers are expected to use the system immediately.
For patients, the most visible change is the gradual move away from paper referrals. Doctors can now issue electronic requests for examinations such as imaging scans, specialist consultations, or physiotherapy. These referrals are sent digitally to healthcare providers and can be tracked from issue to completion, where the system is in use.
The portal also allows doctors to issue electronic medical fitness assessments, including those required for driving licences. These assessments were developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport and apply both to first-time applicants and seniors renewing their licences.
Another feature gives doctors access to information on whether a patient holds a firearms licence, which the ministry says is intended to improve safety and oversight within the healthcare system.
System voluntary for now, mandatory in the future
Patients are expected to gain increasing access to their medical documentation in digital form, reducing the need for printed paperwork. In later phases, this information will also be accessible through the EZKarta mobile application.
The rollout is starting in pilot mode, meaning use of the system remains voluntary. Health Minister Adam Vojtěch said the government is already preparing legislation to make digital tools mandatory in the future.
“The electronicisation of healthcare only makes sense if it is used comprehensively across the whole system,” Vojtěch said, adding that mandatory use would allow authorities to better monitor waiting times and plan healthcare capacity.
Healthcare facilities will not be required to immediately replace their existing software. Existing outpatient systems will be gradually connected to the new interfaces, while doctors without compatible software can use the portal directly. Petr Foltýn, head of the National Centre for eHealth, said direct access via the portal would remain available to all providers.
The EZKarta app, which currently shows vaccination records and preventive check-ups, already offers an English-language interface, though some linked services remain available only in Czech. A redesigned version with new features is scheduled for February, with further digital health connections planned later in 2026.