The National Cancer Registry will be integrated into the NHIS

The information database for patients with malignant neoplasms and carcinoma in situ will become a functional part of the National Health Information System (NHIS). This is outlined in a draft Ordinance amending and supplementing Ordinance No. 6 on the approval of the “Medical Oncology” medical standard.

The objective of this change is to ensure the centralized collection, storage, analysis, and publication of data regarding oncology patients, as well as to standardize the information structure in accordance with Eurostat requirements.

The registry will be organized into several main sections, including:

• patient data,
• information regarding the oncological disease,
• data on the treatment administered and follow-up care,
• assessment of the therapeutic response.

All healthcare facilities that diagnose or treat patients with malignant neoplasms will be required to submit information to the registry based on standardized parameters. The data will be processed according to the operational rules of the NHIS and will be anonymized when used for analysis and management decisions.

To ensure the effective and accurate collection of data, it is necessary to supplement existing nomenclatures (including morphological diagnoses) within the NHIS, as well as in the information systems of healthcare facilities and the NHIF. Consequently, a 6-month delay for the ordinance’s entry into force is planned.

According to the project’s motives, these changes will improve the quality, reliability, and scope of data on oncology incidence in the country. The new approach also introduces the reporting of therapeutic response and the last known vital status of the patient—key information for planning prevention programs, treatment, and resource management in oncology.

The full text of the draft Ordinance can be viewed here.