ChatGPT in Medicine: Recommendations for Responsible Use
Medical chatbots can already answer questions and suggest preliminary diagnoses. But do we know how to use them safely and with critical judgement?
Maria is a bioengineer who chose to put Artificial Intelligence at the service of healthcare: in 2026 she will be the only young Portuguese in Davos
In an interview with Expresso, the young woman selected to attend the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting talks about the message she wants to bring to Davos. She argues for the need “for communication, for sharing and for ensuring that everyone is involved in a decision when it is made”, without excluding any audiences.
When INEM fails to arrive in time
Despite repeated technical assessments, confirmed financial capacity and clear structural proposals, the SNS and INEM keep failing to deliver timely emergency responses. This analysis points to implementation gaps — weak governance, fragmented coordination between national and regional bodies, staffing shortages and poor resource allocation — rather than lack of solutions; the result is delayed care that harms patients (including expats) and undermines public wellbeing. Addressing the problem requires transparent accountability, an independent audit of operational bottlenecks, data-driven redistribution of resources and political commitment to implement already-defined reforms.
Gouveia e Melo calls for changes to health leadership
Admiral Gouveia e Melo has urged a change in health leadership, saying the Government should resign if it cannot resolve systemic problems in the healthcare system. He accuses the State of failing across the board, criticises missed deadlines for delivering results and calls for accountability and urgent action to protect patients and medical services. The remarks frame the crisis as a leadership and policy failure with direct implications for care delivery and public confidence.
British research says it has found a solution to female infertility
A scientific discovery in in vitro fertilisation and assisted reproduction could change the paradigm of infertility. The development was announced today by a group of British researchers who say they are working on a protein that prevents the chromosomes in women's eggs from separating during the early stages of pregnancy.
Portuguese therapy promises to treat aggressive cancers
The discovery of the molecule LUZ51 is a promising step for photodynamic therapy as a potential solution to fight cancer. Observador spoke to researcher Luís Arnaut.
Photodynamic molecule used as a weapon against cancer
A group of scientists in Coimbra has developed a new molecule for treating cancer. The clinical treatment involves photodynamic molecules that will act inside cancer cells.
Company backed by Ronaldo and Dalot signs partnership with Unilabs
Bioniq, a health platform specialising in personalised nutrition that counts Portuguese players Cristiano Ronaldo and Diogo Dalot among its investors and already has more than 300,000 users, has signed a diagnostic partnership with Unilabs Portugal. The diagnostic company will be responsible for carrying out laboratory tests for Bioniq users in Portugal.
ISEP develops intelligent support ecosystem for older people; project costs €1.2 million
The Porto Higher Institute of Engineering (ISEP) is developing an intelligent support ecosystem for older people, made up of a wristband and a smart medication monitor. With an investment of €1.2 million, the project also brings together the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Vagos and ...
Hospital-at-home: Garcia de Orta has 24 patients hospitalised at home
Ten years ago, Garcia de Orta Hospital in Almada opened the first hospital-at-home unit. Today there are already 50 Local Health Units offering this service — a way of delivering healthcare to 400 patients receiving inpatient care outside the hospital.
New Year
In 2026, innovation will not be merely about implementing tools, but about ensuring they reinforce — and never replace — the relationship of trust between doctor and patient.
SNS24 helpline: Artificial intelligence system used in triage
Artificial intelligence is already being used for cases of acute respiratory illness via the SNS24 helpline. The solution aims to increase response capacity and reduce the number of unanswered calls.
The particle count that could change the fight against cancer
At the Laboratory of Instrumentation and Experimental Particle Physics in Lisbon, Pedro Assis’s team is developing a system capable of delivering radiotherapy more effectively.
Innovative project with simulators supports surgical techniques
Presented as an innovative, one-of-a-kind project worldwide, it uses simulators to support surgical techniques. The event was held in Braga, with 50 doctors taking part.
A moonshot for animal-free European health research
With 95 percent of drugs failing clinical trials, it’s clear that a new approach is needed. Let’s not miss this chance to invest in a new kind of science.
