An efficient health system is the best partner for new developments, from discovery to clinical research. The Basque Country provides free, universal healthcare to all citizens. Medical records are linked to the individual health card and a centralised system ensures the reliability of such records, with common processes and protocols, and the capacity to track patients over time.

The system is further enhanced by the existence of well characterised, population-based biobanks and comprehensive databases useful for research (mental health register, cancer register, longitudinal studies, etc.).

Well-defined patient cohorts and the ability to genotype and to apply other omics technologies (profiling) have facilitated the design of a singular Personalised Medicine program.

Additionally, for clinical trials and validations the Health System counts on a Regional Committee ensuring co-ordination of multicentre studies. Applications to the Ethical Committee and to the national medical agency can be filed simultaneously, reducing the time needed for clinical research.