On 24 June, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) officially joined the HealthAI Global Regulatory Network, marking a significant step in the global regulation of AI-driven medical tools. This move positions the MHRA at the forefront of international efforts to integrate trusted AI technologies into hospitals and clinics faster—helping to improve early diagnosis, reduce NHS waiting times, and support the expansion of the UK health technology sector.
As a founding member of the new network, the MHRA will collaborate with other global health regulators to:
- Share early safety alerts related to AI technologies
- Monitor real world performance of AI tools
- Shape consistent international standards for AI in healthcare
These efforts will help ensure AI-powered healthcare solutions are safe, effective, and benefit patients worldwide. Other countries are expected to join the HealthAI network in the coming months.
The MHRA will bring expertise from its innovative domestic initiatives, including the AI Airlock, a regulatory sandbox that allows companies to test artificial intelligence medical devices with guidance from the regulator before wider deployment in the NHS. Examples include AI models that assist GPs in identifying lung conditions earlier and tools designed to provide more personalised cancer treatment options.
The agency has already updated its guidelines and is reforming medical device regulations to keep up with the rapidly evolving landscape of adaptive and generative AI. It is also working closely with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), researchers, and NHS teams to strengthen the collection of real world evidence on how these technologies function in everyday clinical settings.
A signing ceremony to mark the UK’s entry into the global AI in health network was held in Westminster. Attendees included Science Minister Lord Vallance, MHRA Chief Executive Lawrence Tallon, and Dr Ricardo Baptista Leite, CEO of HealthAI.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:
“I’m delighted that the UK has been invited to become a Pioneer Country in HealthAI’s Global Regulatory Network.
“This recognition underscores our commitment to being at the forefront of responsible AI innovation in healthcare. As we implement our 10 Year Health Plan, cutting-edge technology will be crucial to transforming patient care and NHS efficiency.
“Working with international partners through this network will ensure we harness AI’s incredible potential, while maintaining the highest standards of safety and ethics.”
Science and Tech Secretary Peter Kyle said:
“The UK is leading the way in making sure AI delivers real-world benefits – from better care for patients to new opportunities for growth.”
“By shaping global standards and breaking down unnecessary regulatory barriers at home, we’re helping innovators to get trusted tools into the NHS faster, improving treatments for patients while growing our economy in support of our Plan for Change.”
MHRA Chief Executive Lawrence Tallon said:
“AI has huge promise to speed up diagnoses, cut NHS waiting times and save lives – but only if people can trust that it works and is safe. That’s why we’re proud to be leading the way, shaping how this powerful technology is used safely in healthcare here and around the world. From our AI Airlock testbed to new guidance on fast-moving tech like generative AI, we’re backing smart innovation that works for patients – and makes the UK the best place in the world to develop it.”
Dr Ricardo Baptista Leite, CEO of HealthAI, – The Global Agency for Responsible AI in Health, said:
“We are proud of this landmark collaboration with the UK Government and the MHRA. The UK has long been a trailblazer at the intersection of artificial intelligence and health, and we are honoured to welcome it as the first of ten pioneer countries in the HealthAI Global Regulatory Network, fostering global collaboration and shared learning in the regulation and scaling of AI for health. We believe the UK will both strengthen its leadership in this critical field and offer invaluable expertise to its peers, accelerating global progress toward equitable, AI-powered health systems that ultimately contribute to improving quality of life and well-being for all.”
