As healthcare becomes increasingly digital, maintaining trust, safety and quality is more important than ever. Reflecting this commitment, Iceland Health recently marked Health Integrity Day, highlighting its growing focus on risk management, safety and quality across its operations. The organisation has also been recognised for its forward-looking approach, receiving the Public Innovation Award 2026 in the category of ministries, institutions and public limited companies.
Iceland Health received the Public Sector Innovation Award 2026 in the category of ministries, institutions and public limited companies for projects in the field of telehealth services in collaboration with Húðvaktina. The prize is awarded for a pilot agreement on the provision of telehealth services through a secure web portal, which has created new ways to increase access to specialist services in a simpler and more efficient way.
The award’s jury’s statement reads, among other things: “A project that has provided around 6,000 individuals with health services without anyone having to make appointments, travel or take time off work to see a specialist. You showed that innovation can be bought through smart negotiation that allows new methods to prove themselves in operations.”
The jury was unanimous that the project was an example that other institutions and ministries could and should follow.
Telehealth services are a major transformational step for the Icelandic healthcare system and this recognition confirms the importance of supporting the development of new service channels where digital solutions are used to improve access and user experience.
The project is a part of the continued development of more efficient health services, where the goal is to meet the needs of individuals through better use of time and resources. Iceland Health wants to continue to create scope for more innovation projects of this kind in good collaboration with service providers.
In recent years, Public Innovation Day has established itself as an important platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and the development of new solutions in public administration. The strong interest and record attendance this year underscore the growing emphasis on innovation and collaboration in the development of public services in Iceland.
Every year, about ISK 300 billion passes through the Iceland Health and the agency processes extremely sensitive personal data. The Office’s activities relate to important public interests and the management of public funds, and it is therefore of great importance to ensure trust, transparency and responsible working methods in all areas of its operations.
In recent months, Iceland Health has placed increased emphasis on risk management, safety and quality in its operations. Work is being done on a systematic approach in relation to risk management, quality issues, supervision and information security. Procedures have been implemented on integrity and information security, a conflict of interest policy and an electronic incident registration system.
