The controversial My Health Record system has already been hacked nine times.

Health Minister Greg Hunt claimed the system boasted military-grade security, saying this week, 'the advice that I have, no data breaches'.

But contrary to Mr Hunt's claims, the Australian Digital Health Agency, which runs the system, admitted to nine breaches since the network was established.

The system has been hacked nine times despite Health minister Greg Hunt (pictured) claiming My Health Record boasted military grade security

'In the 2016-17 financial year, there were six data breach notifications within My Health Record, and three notifications in the previous financial year,' the agency said.

'Of the six data breaches reported by the Agency, four were the result of alleged fraudulent Medicare claims.

'The remaining two breaches were the result of a consumer accessing a My Health Record that was not their own due to a processing error by the Department of Human Services.'

While the Agency said fines of up to $126,000 and jail penalties of up to two years applied to anyone who breached the system, no penalties were applied as a result of the nine breaches so far, the Herald Sun reported.

Contrary to Mr Hunt's claims, the Australian Digital Health Agency, who runs the system, admitted there were nine breaches since established (stock image)

The revelation comes after mental health bodies cited serious concerns surrounding the federal government initiative

The revelation comes after mental health bodies cited serious concerns surrounding the federal government initiative.

Consumers of Mental Health WA (CoMHWA), the Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council and the NSW peak organisation Being said the risk of privacy breaches was too high.

'If you're in doubt, opt out,' CoMHWA CEO Shauna Gaebler said.

The government initially opened a three-month opt-out window ending on October 15, meaning anyone who did not want a record needed to manually opt-out before that date.

After October 15, an e-health record would have been created for every Australian by default.

However, Mr Hunt bowed to mounting pressure and extended the opt-out period until November 12.

About 20,000 opted out of the system on the first day of a three-month opt-out window despite website glitches.

The move has been welcomed by the Australian Medical Association and Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

Mr Hunt also strengthened privacy provisions so that a court order was required for information to be released without consent.

RACGP president Dr Bastian Seidel welcomed the move, calling it 'a very positive step towards the meaningful use of My Health Record'.

'A patient's medical record contains highly sensitive, confidential and privileged information. It needs to be protected, not just shared - and I'm pleased that Minister Greg Hunt has agreed to do so,' Dr Seidel posted on Twitter.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Mr Hunt said: 'The amendment will ensure no record can be released to police or government agencies, for any purpose, without a court order'.