UN calls for legal protection for AI in healthcare

The warning comes in a report from the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) office in Europe, where AI is already helping doctors detect diseases, reduce administrative tasks and communicate with patients.

Technology is changing the way care is delivered, data interpreted and resources allocated.

“But Without clear policies, data protection, legal guardrails and investment in AI skills, we risk deepening inequalities rather than reducing themsaid Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.

Transforming healthcare

The report is the first comprehensive assessment of the way AI is being adopted and regulated in the region’s healthcare systems. The survey was sent to 53 countries there, and 50 took part.

Although almost everyone recognizes how AI could transform healthcare – from diagnostics to disease monitoring to personalized medicine – only four countries have their own national strategy and seven others are developing one.

Some countries are taking proactive measures…