Portugal faces healthcare integration challenges as new health tech launches

A recent study by the Portuguese Association of Hospital Administrators (APAH) highlights ongoing structural challenges within Portugal's National Health Service (SNS). The third edition of the Care Integration Barometer (BIC), conducted by EY Portugal, surveyed 2,676 health professionals across 39 Local Health Units. The study reported a global score of 3.29 on a 5-point scale, indicating no improvement from the previous edition and underscoring a persistent need for better coordination, information sharing, and integrated management.

In response to the fragmentation of medical data, Lisbon-based startup Octo Health has launched a proactive health platform in Portugal and the United States. Following a 2.7 million euro pre-seed funding round led by 3xP Global, the platform aims to centralize clinical analyses of over 110 biomarkers, laboratory results, medical histories, and digital device data. The technology is designed to help users track health indicators over time and provide personalized recommendations to complement professional medical care.