Palga Foundation

Palga is the Dutch foundation behind the world’s only nationwide, integrated pathology data network. Since 1971, we’ve connected all pathology laboratories in the Netherlands, creating a unified digital infrastructure for the structured collection, storage, and responsible sharing of pathology data — from tissue, cell, and molecular diagnostics. Our network was originally developed to support primary care — and that remains our core mission. Every day, we help ensure that clinicians across the country have access to the high-quality diagnostic information they need to deliver the best possible care to their patients. A key part of our work is supporting pathologists in their reporting. Through the Palga Protocol Module (PPM) and standardized frameworks such as SNOMED CT, we help pathologists document findings consistently and accurately. In doing so, we aim to keep the quality of pathology data as high as possible — a crucial foundation for responsible secondary use and future technological innovations. At the same time, we believe in the broader value of pathology data. It offers a wealth of insights that can drive research, prevention, and quality improvement. From this strong foundation, we work — in close dialogue with our partners — to unlock that potential in a responsible and balanced way. We collaborate with organizations such as IKNL, DICA, and national screening programs, and facilitate access for researchers working on topics ranging from rare diseases to population-wide health trends. Privacy is always paramount: data is anonymized and access is governed by strict ethical and legal standards. At Palga, we believe pathology data is not just a record of care — it’s a resource for the future. And we’re committed to putting it to work for healthcare, science, and society.