The Dutch Nationwide Pathology Databank and its central role in health research

The Dutch Nationwide Pathology Databank (Palga) was established in 1971 and achieved nationwide coverage of all Dutch pathology departments in 1991. It serves as the central repository for pathology data across the Netherlands. Palga manages a nationwide IT infrastructure enabling the collection, structuring, and secure sharing of pathology data from all Dutch pathology departments. This unique infrastructure supports diagnostics in patient care by enabling pathologists to access nationwide patient pathology histories and by supporting standardized, structured reporting, particularly in population-based screening programs and oncological pathology. It also serves as a valuable resource for secondary data use, supporting scientific research and healthcare policy decision-making. This article provides an overview of the Palga infrastructure, with a focus on its embedded scientific database for secondary use. It describes how pathology data are collected, structured, and shared, and explains how data are securely processed in compliance with current legislation, with particular emphasis on safe secondary use. Secure secondary use of pathology data is expected to increasingly advance evidence-based healthcare research for the benefit of society. Palga's nationwide infrastructure provides substantial added value for patient care, health research, and healthcare quality improvement, while enabling responsible and socially valuable secondary data use through collaboration and robust legal and ethical governance.