Overview

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has officially joined the HealthAI Global Regulatory Network, a new international initiative aimed at ensuring the safe and effective use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare.

Key Details

• The UK is recognized as a founding ‘pioneer’ country in this network.
• The MHRA will collaborate with global regulators to:
  1. Share early warnings regarding safety.
  2. Monitor the performance of AI tools in real-world settings.
  3. Develop international standards for AI in healthcare.

Statements from Officials

Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed his enthusiasm, stating:

“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 enhancing patient care and NHS efficiency.”

Global Collaboration

The UK is the first of ten countries from various regions expected to join this network, all aiming to improve the safety and effectiveness of AI in healthcare for patients worldwide.

Signing Ceremony

A signing ceremony took place on 24 June 2025 at Westminster, attended by:

• Lord Patrick Vallance, Science Minister
• Lawrence Tallon, Chief Executive at MHRA
• Dr. Ricardo Baptista Leite, Chief Executive of HealthAI

Future Initiatives

Dr. Leite remarked on the significance of this collaboration, emphasizing the UK’s role as a leader in AI and 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.”

AI Airlock Program

The MHRA will utilize its experience in the UK to help shape the network, including the AI Airlock, a regulatory sandbox for AI medical devices. This initiative allows companies to test new tools with the regulator before broader NHS implementation.

Recently, the MHRA received £1 million in funding to expand access to the AI Airlock program.

Conclusion

Lawrence Tallon highlighted the potential of AI in healthcare, stating:

“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.”