Memorandum of cooperation between the 3rd Regional Health Authority, Papageorgiou Hospital, the Medical Physics and Digital Innovation Lab of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the Institute of Applied Biosciences of CERTH.
The 3rd Regional Health Authority participates in the European eCAN Plus project, which aims to harness the potential of telemedicine for the benefit of citizens, patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs), contributing to the improvement of cancer prevention and care across Europe.
The project involves 23 European Union countries and 83 key partners, including public health institutions, universities, hospitals, oncology centers and patient associations.
Cancer is one of the most pressing issues for modern societies, placing a significant burden on healthcare systems and national economies. Without substantial interventions, its incidence in Europe is expected to increase by 20% by 2040, exceeding 5 million new cases per year.
The project will implement a comprehensive training program to enhance digital skills, including telemedicine and e-health tools. The program is aimed at healthcare professionals, patients and the general public, with the aim of enhancing prevention. At the same time, innovative telemedicine tools will be implemented in different cancer care settings in order to evaluate their clinical applications.
On Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the offices of the 3rd Regional Health Authority, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the 3rd Regional Health Authority and the collaborating bodies in the context of the project: Papageorgiou Hospital, the Medical Physics and Digital Innovation Lab of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) and the Institute of Applied Biosciences of CERTH.
This collaboration has already yielded significant results, both at the research level and in the field of policy-making, and is sealed with the signing of this agreement.
“The signing of the memorandum of understanding constitutes an important step towards strengthening innovation in the health system and the utilization of telemedicine in our country and internationally. This collaboration, within the framework of the European eCAN Plus project, takes on special significance, as it actively contributes to improving cancer prevention and care, strengthening digital skills. For INAB/ CERTH, this partnership is part of our broader strategic goal to develop and implement innovative solutions to social needs in the health sector, utilizing data, modern digital technologies and artificial intelligence tools, always with respect for international standards and the safety of citizens,” said the Director of the Institute of Applied Biosciences of CERTH, Ms. Anastasia Chatzidimitriou.
On the occasion of the signing of the Multilateral Agreement for the eCAN Plus project, the Governor of the 3rd Regional Health Authority, Mr. Dimitrios Tsalikakis, emphasized that “Our participation in the eCAN Plus project is a strategic choice with a strong European footprint, it is not simply institutional, but an opportunity to actively contribute to shaping the future of digital health in Europe. This is an initiative with a real impact on health systems. The contribution of Greek institutions is multidimensional: from the strengthening of digital literacy, with the significant contribution of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, to data security issues, with the contribution of INAB/ CERTH and the substantial involvement of patients and citizens, through pilot actions implemented in collaboration with the “Papageorgiou” Hospital. The project creates a valuable “treasure trove” of knowledge. Above all, however, eCAN Plus highlights the active role of patients. The 3rd Regional Health Authority remains committed to promoting innovation and collaboration, with the aim of improving the quality of services provided and creating a modern, digitally mature health system for the benefit of all citizens.”
“Through our participation in the initiative, we will have the opportunity to contribute to improving the management of cancer cases, which are constantly increasing, something we are also experiencing at the Hospital. As part of this effort, we will contribute to expanding the use of telemedicine tools, leveraging the experience of the eCAN joint action, in order to achieve the best possible results in supporting both healthcare professionals as well as patients and caregivers,” emphasized Mr. Michalis Karaviotis, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Papageorgiou Hospital.
“The eCanPlus program comes to continue what was achieved in the first eCan program. The Medical Physics and Digital Innovation Lab, in collaboration with the 3rd Regional Health Authority, INAB/ CERTH, the Papageorgiou Hospital, ELLOK (Hellenic Cancer Federation), as well as many other partners from the consortium and especially Cyprus, are developing the infrastructure for the implementation of pilot telemedicine trials for cancer. This effort also includes compliance with the specifications of the goal for the European Health Data Space (EHDS), as well as the creation of an educational environment and strengthening of the skills required to achieve the project”, noted Professor of Medical Physics, Medical Informatics and Medical Education, Director of the Medical Physics and Digital Innovation Lab, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Mr. Panagiotis Bamidis.
For additional information, please contact Ms. Fotini Kopani, INAB/CERTH Administration, +30 2310 498272, kopani@certh.gr
Press Release – Alliance for the utilization of telemedicine in cancer patients
