Portugal Healthcare Sector: Growth Opportunities for U.S. Exporters
Portugal’s healthcare sector is undergoing a dynamic transformation, shaped by a 2024 re-organization of the National Health Service (SNS) into 39 Local Health Units (ULS) and renewed political momentum for hospital public-private partnerships (PPPs) in 2025. This creates openings for U.S. firms in medtech, diagnostics, digital health, and hospital infrastructure—especially where solutions are interoperable, cost-efficient, and aligned with EU MDR and GDPR.
On suppliers, the United States has historically been a top 10 source of medical devices to Portugal (ranked 9th in 2019). Portugal sources its hospital equipment and healthcare products from a diverse group of international suppliers, with Germany, France, and Japan consistently ranking as the top three. Major U.S. companies such as GE Medical Systems, 3M, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, and Boston Scientific are present via subsidiaries and distributors. U.S. brands such as Abbott (diagnostics/diabetes care and branded-generic pharmaceuticals), Alcon (ophthalmic devices and prescription eye drops), Edwards Lifesciences (cardiovascular devices/monitoring) and Stryker (surgical and orthopedic devices with related disposables) are active in Portugal. In public tenders, price and regulatory compliance (e.g., CE/MDR) are key decision factors.
Portugal’s healthcare infrastructure is expanding, with major public hospital projects underway, including Lisbon Oriental Hospital, the New Hospital of the West, and Madeira Central Hospital, alongside private developments like CUF Barreiro, Luz Saúde Santarém, and Trofa Saúde Maia. Public-private partnerships are gaining traction, with active and upcoming PPPs at Hospital de Cascais, Garcia de Orta, and Oeste, and future tenders expected for Braga, Loures, Amadora-Sintra, and Vila Franca de Xira.
U.S. companies pursuing procurement opportunities should contact our office and check Portugal’s Public Contracts Portal (Portal BASE), the Shared Services of the Ministry of Health purchasing platforms (SPMS — Serviços Partilhados do Ministério da Saúde, including “Compras na Saúde” and Vortal), and the European Union’s Tenders Electronic Daily (TED) for notices.
To be well positioned in Portugal’s healthcare market, U.S. companies should ensure full alignment with EU rules, CE marking under the Medical Devices Regulation (MDR) and GDPR compliance, compete with turnkey offerings across hospital infrastructure, digital health, and integrated care that are interoperable with European systems. Procurement is price-sensitive within a universal-care model, and competition from European and Chinese suppliers is strong, so positioning solutions as high-quality, interoperable, and cost-effective is important. Emphasize innovation that improves outcomes and operational efficiency without increasing total cost of ownership, supported by credible clinical and economic evidence. Build strategic partnerships and local presence by collaborating with regional health authorities and municipalities to tailor solutions to local priorities and to navigate both public tenders and private agreements.
U.S. companies that combine rigorous compliance and interoperability with affordability, service capability, and reliable implementation support will be well placed for durable growth.
For more information, please contact Ana Paula Vila, Commercial Advisor at ana.vila@trade.gov