Federal government plans to build network of smart hospitals from 2026

São Paulo — Health Minister Alexandre Padilha confirmed on Thursday (10/30) that the federal government intends to start building a national network of smart hospitals in 2026, as well as a model hospital at the University of São Paulo (USP), which will serve as a center for research and technological training. The Minister spoke with the press shortly after participating in the Health Perspectives panel in Brazil at the Abramge Congress (Brazilian Health Plans Association) in São Paulo. According to him, the funding will come from the New Development Bank (NDB), the so-called Brics Bank. Padilha explained that the project has already been presented, and the expectation is that all details will be finalized by December. ‘The project has already been presented to the Brics Bank, and we want to discuss approval at the December meeting. Our expectation is to start construction next year,’ he said. He said the plan is part of what he called the ‘technological revolution in hospital construction.’ The Minister also emphasized that the proposal was developed in partnership with the USP School of Medicine, the Hospital das Clínicas, and the Ministry of Health, with technical support from the Brics Bank. The regional units are planned to be built in all regions of Brazil, but the government is expected to prioritize the Northeast region and the Amazon. According to the model to be adopted, all hospitals will have full integration with local universities, promoting the secure sharing of data and exams. The project envisages the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as fully connected cloud systems capable of remotely monitoring patients, facilitating administrative and clinical management. ‘We are bringing the concept of smart hospitals to Brazil, which is already a reality in countries like China and India. This means connected equipment, continuous monitoring, and real-time data use to improve patient care,’ explained Padilha. According to the Minister, the goal is to attract international investments in technology and innovation in the healthcare sector. He believes that, in addition to economic development, the action strengthens the Unified Health System (SUS). ‘Health is now an economic agenda. It represents about 9% of the national GDP and can be a vector for development and the generation of high-skilled jobs,’ he highlighted. Finance Minister Fernando Haddad, who was also scheduled to speak, canceled his participation at the last minute.