The Balearic Islands Health Service is upgrading its electronic prescription framework by replacing the current RELE system with SIGMA (Comprehensive Outpatient Medication Management System). The transition will take place on February 21 and 22 and marks a significant improvement in prescription quality, patient safety, operational efficiency, and European interoperability.
SIGMA operates as a web-based platform that integrates the full management of outpatient medication across all levels of care, including primary care, hospital services, and the socio-healthcare sector. This unified system ensures therapeutic continuity and enables healthcare professionals to access a single, real-time, updated view of each patient’s active medication, particularly during hospital discharge processes and inter-service referrals.
The platform incorporates clinical decision-support tools designed to enhance prescription safety and encourage the rational use of medicines. It also streamlines professional communication, facilitating coordinated pharmacological management and reducing risks related to duplication or adverse interactions.
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Balearic Islands Health Service launches SIGMA to enhance electronic prescription safety and healthcare interoperability
Within residential and public socio-healthcare facilities, SIGMA will record both prescribed and dispensed medications, strengthening traceability and safeguarding patient well-being. Additionally, the system promotes cross-border interoperability under the MyHealth@EU framework, allowing electronically prescribed medicines to be dispensed in other European Union countries.
From a digital patient perspective, the upcoming EspaiSalut application will enable individuals to review their active treatments and check dispensing dates. The implementation also paves the way for the future use of a virtual health card as an alternative to the traditional plastic card for pharmacy services.
Technologically, SIGMA represents a shift toward a modern, accessible web solution that does not require heavy software installations and features a redesigned, intuitive interface to support daily clinical practice. To ensure a smooth transition, comprehensive training has been provided to all healthcare professionals who will use the new system.
Implementation schedule and temporary arrangements
The system migration will occur over the weekend of February 21 and 22. During this period, electronic dispensing through the health card will be temporarily unavailable in pharmacies. Residents are therefore advised to collect their regular medication either before or after the transition weekend.
Emergency prescription services will remain fully operational. Physicians will issue paper prescriptions where necessary to guarantee uninterrupted access to essential medicines.
Balearic Islands pensioners who normally benefit from electronically financed prescriptions and may need to advance payment during those two days can request reimbursement through the official online administrative procedure, submitting the corresponding prescription and pharmacy invoice.
Through the introduction of SIGMA, the Balearic Islands Health Service strengthens its commitment to healthcare digitalization, patient safety, and the modernization of public health services across the region.