Google has launched its controversial Health programme allowing patients to gather medical and prescription records from various providers and organise the data in one secure place on the web.

Despite holding so much user data, Google claims that users "own" the data they download and can access their medical history even if they change jobs or benefit providers.

Google said that online personal health records are not a new idea and that such records already exist for patients in some cases.

The company believes it can bring additional features such as security and portability to the table.

"Google Health aims to solve an urgent need that dovetails with our overall mission of organising patient information and making it accessible and useful," the company said in a statement.

"Through our health offering, users will be empowered to collect, store and manage their own medical records online."

Google Health launched with a handful of partners, such as pharmacy benefit manager RxAmerica and a number of clinics.

"Taking part in the launch of this product is important to us because it lets our members take charge of their health records," said John Gardynik, president of RxAmerica.

"Now they can give their healthcare providers a true snapshot of their medical history to facilitate the safest and most accurate care possible."