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Insights from Pharma 2025: The impact of the European Health Data Space (EHDS) reform on healthcare systems
At the Pharma 2025 conference in Barcelona, global industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers gathered to explore the evolving landscape of pharmaceuticals and healthcare. Through a series of in-depth interviews with experts from across the sector, Cencora uncovered valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future, from accelerating access to innovation and enhancing patient-centricity, to harnessing the power of data and digital transformation.
These conversations reflect the pulse of an industry in motion, committed to driving smarter, more sustainable healthcare solutions in an increasingly complex world. Whether focused on regulatory evolution, market access, technological breakthroughs, or cross-sector collaboration, each expert offered a unique lens on how pharma is adapting to meet the needs of tomorrow.
Among the discussions was the European Healthcare Data Space (EHDS) and its potential impact on healthcare systems across Europe. In this article, we share key takeaways from the conversation between Oriol Solà-Morales, CEO at Fundació HiTT, and Herbert Altmann, Vice President, Market Access and Healthcare Consulting at Cencora, on the implications of EHDS for the healthcare landscape.
Among the discussions was the European Healthcare Data Space (EHDS) and its potential impact on healthcare systems across Europe. In this article, we share key takeaways from the conversation between Oriol Solà-Morales, CEO at Fundació HiTT, and Herbert Altmann, Vice President, Market Access and Healthcare Consulting at Cencora, on the implications of EHDS for the healthcare landscape.
Understanding the European Health Data Space (EHDS)
Opening the dialogue, Altmann emphasized the critical importance of health data accessibility and the challenges posed by cross-border limitations. Solà-Morales responded by highlighting the long-term vision of the EHDS for harnessing data to build a better healthcare system. He remarked, “It’s not about today; it’s about building the future,” underscoring the need for a comprehensive understanding of EHDS within the broader legislative framework, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
The primary objective of the EHDS, as discussed, is to enhance understanding of healthcare dynamics through data collection and analysis. Solà-Morales articulated this goal by stating that the initiative seeks to provide insights into healthcare practices, thereby improving overall healthcare delivery.
The primary objective of the EHDS, as discussed, is to enhance understanding of healthcare dynamics through data collection and analysis. Solà-Morales articulated this goal by stating that the initiative seeks to provide insights into healthcare practices, thereby improving overall healthcare delivery.
Empowering patients and enhancing care
The conversation highlighted the EHDS's goal of placing patients at the center of healthcare. Altmann noted that empowering patients to control their data is crucial for improving medical care across Europe. Solà-Morales added that patients are willing to share their data for the benefit of future generations. “Patients need to own their future, their data,” he emphasized, suggesting that this empowerment will lead to more efficient healthcare delivery, particularly for patients traveling across Europe.
The role of secondary data
A significant aspect of the discussion centered on the use of secondary data. Solà-Morales pointed out that while the primary focus of EHDS is the primary data, secondary data holds immense potential for improving healthcare outcomes. “Secondary data can be an endless source of information and wisdom,” he stated, calling for an ethical debate on its use. Both experts agreed that secondary data could help streamline processes and avoid past errors, benefiting both patients and healthcare institutions.
Stakeholder engagement and collaboration
Altmann raised an important question about the engagement of various stakeholders in the EHDS initiative. Solà-Morales acknowledged that while hospitals are the main data generators, manufacturers often take a passive role. “Drug and device manufacturers see themselves as spectators,” he said, urging them to take a more active role in constructing the data space. He emphasized the need for collaboration among all stakeholders to maximize the benefits of EHDS.
Leveraging data for innovation
The potential for data to drive innovation was a recurring theme in the discussion. Altmann noted that pharmaceutical companies are eager to utilize data sources for artificial intelligence tools to gain insights and improve clinical trial designs. Solà-Morales agreed, stating that understanding how new drugs fit into the healthcare system is essential for filling data gaps. “What is missing so that we can have a full spectrum of the disease continuum?” he questioned, stressing the importance of comprehensive data collection.
Reducing bureaucracy and digital inequality
The speakers discussed the European Commission’s overarching goal of reducing bureaucracy within healthcare systems. Solà-Morales expressed optimism that EHDS could facilitate this process, though he cautioned that it would take time and patience. “Wehave to understand that these will not come tomorrow,” he said, drawing a parallel to the learning curve experienced with new technologies.
However, the discussion also touched on the risks associated with digital inequality. Solà-Morales pointed out that disparities in digital skills exist not only between countries but also within them. “The digital gap is not per country, but per unit of production,” he explained, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to narrow these gaps.
However, the discussion also touched on the risks associated with digital inequality. Solà-Morales pointed out that disparities in digital skills exist not only between countries but also within them. “The digital gap is not per country, but per unit of production,” he explained, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to narrow these gaps.
Conclusion: A foundation for future innovation
As the conversation concluded, both speakers expressed their belief in the EHDS as a transformative initiative for the European healthcare landscape. Solà-Morales affirmed, “EHDS is part of the foundation for building a better healthcare future.” Altmann echoed this sentiment, summarizing the discussion by emphasizing the importance of data protection, fairness, and transparency in realizing the full potential of EHDS.
With a collective commitment to leveraging health data responsibly, the EHDS initiative holds the promise of enhancing patient care, driving innovation, and positioning Europe as a leader in digital health.
Solà-Morales encapsulated the vision for the future, stating, “The more transparent we are, the further we will go.”
With a collective commitment to leveraging health data responsibly, the EHDS initiative holds the promise of enhancing patient care, driving innovation, and positioning Europe as a leader in digital health.
Solà-Morales encapsulated the vision for the future, stating, “The more transparent we are, the further we will go.”
The contents of this piece contain marketing statements and do not include legal advice.
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