The WHO Europe chief has raised alarms about the rapid integration of AI tools in healthcare, emphasizing that regulatory measures are failing to keep up, which poses significant risks to patient safety.
During a press conference in Lisbon, Hans Henri P. Kluge highlighted the pressing issue of insufficient governance surrounding the deployment of AI technologies in healthcare. He pointed out that while two-thirds of countries in the WHO European Region are utilizing AI for diagnostics, only a small fraction have established comprehensive strategies to regulate these tools. This regulatory gap could lead to serious patient harm, particularly if biased algorithms result in inaccurate diagnoses.
The data reveals alarming trends: only 8 percent of countries in the region have a health-specific AI strategy, and nearly 40 percent lack ethical guidelines for AI use. Furthermore, education and training in AI for healthcare professionals are inadequate, with only 20 percent of countries offering relevant training for students and 25 percent for practicing healthcare workers.
Kluge's remarks underscore a critical need for enhanced oversight to restore public confidence in healthcare systems. In response to these challenges, the WHO plans to unveil a comprehensive Roadmap on AI and Health by 2028, aiming to bridge the existing regulatory divide and ensure that AI technologies benefit patient care without compromising safety.