BRUSSELS  –  14  April  2016  –  COCIR  welcomes  the  adoption  of  the  European Data Protection Regulation. However, in order for the Regulation to deliver on  its objectives,  it  is  crucial  that  EU  Member  States  move  rapidly  towards  a harmonised  interpretation  and  enforcement  of  its  provisions.  This will  pave  the way for growth, innovation and a data-driven healthcare sector.

Data driven healthcare will deliver more accessible and better-coordinated health services, improve health outcomes and accelerate the development of personalised medicine.  However,  effective  governance  mechanisms  and  strong coordination  between  National  Data  Protection  Authorities  will  be  essential inensuring  that  this  new  Regulation  succeeds  in  balancing  protection  of  citizens’ privacy  with  encouraging  innovation,  research  and  market  growth  in  the healthcare sector.

Nicole  Denjoy,  COCIR  Secretary  General,  said;  “We  call  on  the  European  Data Protection  Board  to  engage  with  industry  and  other  relevant  stakeholders  at  EU level  at  the  earliest  opportunity.  This  approach  will  ensure  that  the  new  data protection  regulatory  framework  will  enable  innovation  in  the  healthcare  sector and contribute to the development of the Digital Single Market.”

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*COCIR is the European Trade Association representing the medical imaging, health ICT and electromedical industries.  Founded  in  1959,  COCIR  is  a  non-profit  association headquartered  in  Brussels  (Belgium)  with  a  China  Desk  based  in  Beijing  since  2007. COCIR  is  unique  as  it  brings  together  the  healthcare,  IT  and  telecommunications industries.

For more information, contact:

Nicole Denjoy
COCIR Secretary General
Tel: +32 (0)2 706 8961
denjoy@cocir.org

Colin Mackay
COCIR Communications Senior Advisor
Tel: +32 (0) 473 43 07 52
press@cocir.org