Portugal Becomes First European Union Member State to Join the HealthAI Global Regulatory Network
HealthAI welcomes Portugal as the first European Union Member State and newest member of its Global Regulatory Network, advancing global collaboration for safe and responsible AI in health
Lisbon, 15. July 2026 — HealthAI – The Global Agency for Responsible AI in Health, welcomes Portugal as the first European Union Member State to formally join the HealthAI Global Regulatory Network (GRN), a growing global platform uniting health regulators dedicated to the safe, effective, and equitable deployment of artificial intelligence in health systems.
This marks a historic milestone for Portugal as the first EU nation to join this prestigious global collaborative network as a pioneer. The agreement – formalized at a signing ceremony held on the sidelines of the WHO Global Conference on Artificial Intelligence for Health in Lisbon – in the presence of the Minister of Health, Ana Paula Martins, and the Minister for State Reform, Gonçalo Matias – signed by the president of the Portuguese National Authority of Medicines and Healthcare Products (INFARMED), Professor Rui Santos Ivo and Dr. Ricardo Baptista Leite, CEO of HealthAI, positions the country as a catalyst for the responsible governance and deployment of artificial intelligence in health.
“Infarmed aims to be a leading regulatory authority in the field of digital and AI-based technologies. This is clearly better achieved through international cooperation and by sharing experiences and expertise. We are looking forward to join the Global Regulatory Network” said Professor Rui Santos Ivo, President of INFARMED “Our remit and responsibilities in the field of regulation and assessment of health technologies are unique, even amongst the EU, and we know that we can make a positive contribution to the responsible adoption of AI.
“Portugal becoming the first member state of the European Union to join HealthAI’s Global Regulatory Network represents a pivotal moment, not only for HealthAI, but for the future of equitable and responsible AI governance in health globally. As a pioneer in ethical and human-centric development and adoption of AI for Health within the European Union, Portugal brings exceptional expertise, proven regulatory frameworks, and a genuine commitment to ensuring that AI serves all populations fairly, while maintaining the highest standards of safety, data sovereignty, and ethical governance,” said Dr. Ricardo Baptista Leite, CEO of HealthAI.
Portugal joins the GRN at a defining moment for European AI governance. As the European Union’s AI Act enters into full effect and health systems across the continent accelerate the integration of AI-powered tools, Portugal’s early engagement signals a clear ambition: to lead Europe’s contribution to global AI health governance rather than simply respond to it.
Joining the GRN will enable Portuguese health officials to engage in peer exchange and strategic dialogue with counterparts from other member countries, including the United Kingdom, Singapore, India, Brazil, Vietnam, Indonesia, Zambia, the Philippines and Peru.
By fostering collaboration, HealthAI helps governments and health systems build AI governance structures that protect patients and data while enabling innovation. This agreement reinforces HealthAI’s commitment to ensuring that no region of the world — and no EU Member State — is left behind in the global effort to harness AI safely for better health outcomes.
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About HealthAI
‘HealthAI – The Global Agency for Responsible AI in Health’ is a Geneva-based, independent nonprofit driving equitable access to AI-powered health innovations. Collaborating with governments, international organizations, and global health leaders, HealthAI focuses on AI governance and regulation to ensure AI transforms healthcare for all. Positioned at the intersection of healthcare, artificial intelligence, and policy, HealthAI aims to bridge the gap between emerging technologies and accessibility, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. By fostering trust, governance, and collaboration, HealthAI is shaping a future where health technologies benefit every population worldwide.”
For more info, visit www.healthai.agency
About INFARMED
Infarmed is a Government agency accountable to the Health Ministry, that evaluates, authorizes, regulates and controls human medicines as well as health products, namely, medical devices and cosmetics for the protection of Public Health.
The Institute’s main goal is to ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines and the quality, safety and performance of health products in order to ensure adequate standards of public health and consumer’s protection, as well as the regulation and supervision of medicinal and health products, including health technology assessment, from research up to their use by healthcare professionals and patients is of particular importance.
Mais informação aqui.
Notes for Editors:
- The HealthAI Global Regulatory Network is an international platform bringing together health regulators to strengthen oversight of AI in healthcare. It aims to build trust, improve safety and accelerate responsible innovation through shared learning, joint standards and early warnings of emerging risks. Members will also have access to a global directory of registered AI health tools to support transparency and collaboration.
- To learn more about the GRN and its participating members, visit: https://www.healthai.agency/grn
- About the INFRAMED: https://www.infarmed.pt/web/infarmed/infarmed
- Click HERE to access the official Press Release.
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