Portugal Sets an EU First By Joining HealthAI’s Global Regulatory Network

Portugal is the first European Union member state to join HealthAI Global Regulatory Network on 16th July, 2026. The agreement has been signed by Infarmed with the non-profit HealthAI organization of Geneva. It enables Portuguese regulators to have access to information on reviewed AI health tools and a system for sharing warnings about harmful incidents. Portugal has become the HealthAI Global Network’s tenth member. This global partnership will oversee the use of AI in healthcare. 

What has Portugal Announced?

Infarmed (Portugal’s National Authority of Medicine and Health Products) signed an agreement to become a part of the HealthAI Global Regulatory Network (GRN) in a ceremony held alongside the Global World Health Organization (WHO) Conference on Artificial Intelligence for Health in Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal. 

The ceremony took place on 16th July 2025, and Portugal was the first EU member to be part of the network. The campaign aims to promote responsible, safe, and effective AI governance in healthcare.  European countries have begun to speed up the use of new AI tools across the continent and are getting ready for the full implementation of EU AI Act healthcare, which entered the force on August 1, 2024. 

The Infarmed President, Professor Rui Santos Ivo said in a statement, “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.”

What is the HealthAI Global Regulatory Network?

HealthAI Global Regulatory Network (GRN) is a Geneva-based non-profit platform addressing fair access to AI in healthcare. It brings together governments, health ministries and national regulators to share information, enhance regulatory capacity and establish shared strategies for regulatory oversight of AI in healthcare. 

The current members of GRN are the United Kingdom, Singapore, India, Zambia, Vietnam, Brazil, Indonesia, Peru and the Philippines. Now, Portugal is also on board and is the 10th member of the network.

What will Portugal Gain From Joining HealthAI?

Access to Reviewed AI Health Tools

Portugal after becoming a member of the global network can access a global directory of reviewed health tools powered by AI. This can assist regulators to compare tools, review information and learn from assessments. 

A Global Warning System

The Portugal partnership with the network provides it with access to a system that alerts them to harmful incidents and reports new risks that arise with healthcare AI. It can support faster information sharing and regulatory responses. 

Cooperation with International Regulators

Portugal can share experiences with other regulators of the network through Infarmed HealthAI partnership. It offers assessments, training, and support to enhance regulator capacity.

Conclusion

With Portugal's membership in the HealthAI Global Regulatory Network, the country continues to take a significant step toward shaping Europe's AI landscape in healthcare. It became the first EU country to become a member of HealthAI Global Regulatory Network (GRN). 

With international cooperation, Portugal is looking to contribute to safer and responsible artificial intelligence in the field of health. Following Infarmed healthAI partnership Portugal was granted access to AI-powered health solutions, warning systems, and capacity building opportunities.