Use health data responsibly for research, innovation and public value
Researchers, universities, public authorities, healthcare organisations, research infrastructures, and other eligible organisations may be able to request access to electronic health data for approved secondary-use purposes. Access is subject to assessment and approval and must meet all applicable legal, ethical, scientific, technical, and organisational requirements.
Your pathway to health data access
1. Define your purpose
Clearly explain:​​
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The research, innovation, policy or public health objective
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The expected public value or scientific benefit
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Why the requested data are necessary
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Why the scope is proportionate
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The expected outputs and outcomes
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2. Discover relevant datasets
Use the National health Dataset Catalogue to identify datasets that may support your work. Dataset information may include:
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Responsible organisation
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Population coverage and time period
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Data types and standards
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Access conditions
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Data quality information
Please note: Dataset availability does not guarantee access approval​
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3. Assess dataset suitability
Before applying consider,
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Population coverage
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Time period relevance
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Available variables
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Data quality and completeness
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Potential limitations or bias
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Data linkage requirements
Where available, Data Quality and Utility Labels can support your assessment.
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4. Prepare your application
A complete application should include:
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Applicant organisation details
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Project description and objectives
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Expected public benefit
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Research protocol or analytical plan
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Ethical review information (where applicable)
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Requested datasets and variables
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Security and privacy measures
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Authorised project team members
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5. Application assessment
The Cyprus HDAB will review applications for completeness, justification, and compliance. Additional information may be requested during the assessment process.
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6. Secure data analysis
Approved users will access data through a secure processing environment designed to:
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Restrict access to authorised users onl
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Enforce permit conditions
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Prevent direct downloading of health data
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Record activity for auditing purposes
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Review outputs before release
Data user checklist
Before submitting your request, make sure that:
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You have a clear secondary-use purpose
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You can demonstrate public value
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You are requesting only the data you need
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You have reviewed dataset information and limitations
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You have prepared all required documentation
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You understand that access requires approval
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You will analyse approved data in secure environment
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You will not attempt to identify individuals
Frequently asked questions
Who can access health data?
Only eligible applicants with an approved secondary-use purpose and the necessary authorisation
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Does inclusion in the dataset catalogue guarantee access?
No. The catalogue supports discovery only. Access remains subject to assessment and approval.
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Can I download raw health data?
No. Approved datasets must be analysed within a secure processing environment.
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Can health data be linked with other datasets?
Potentially, provided this is clearly described in the application and approved during assessment.
Disclaimer: This page provides introductory guidance. Detailed eligibility criteria, application procedures, and operational requirements will be published when the national services become available.