Tielen wants cervical cancer population screening back on track as soon as possible

The expertise required for the high quality of population screening is limited. To increase capacity again, Bevolkingsonderzoek Nederland is investigating whether cooperation with the third laboratory can be resumed. An independent security investigation has been conducted, resulting in concrete improvement plans. Based on this and intensive contact, Bevolkingsonderzoek Nederland has sufficient confidence to give Clinical Diagnostics the chance to bring information security to the required level. The laboratory has indicated it will do everything possible to resolve all shortcomings within the next six months. Bevolkingsonderzoek Nederland wants to restart cooperation only if it can be independently verified that the data of all participants is secure in every possible way.

State Secretary Tielen: “I am very sorry that women participating in this population screening are now also facing delays. Although the expected health effects are probably minimal, we all have a duty to ensure that the capacity of the cervical cancer population screening is fully restored as soon as possible. Naturally, the security of all data of all participating women is a non-negotiable condition.”