WHO's stark warning: Unregulated AI in Europe’s healthcare endangers patients

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising Europe's healthcare sector, but its deployment without adequate guardrails and regulation can put the lives of patients at risk, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) in its new report.

WHO in its analysis has assessed 50 countries spanning Europe and Central Asia to understand AI adoption, regulation, and funding in the health sector.

As per survey’s findings, half of the countries have rolled out AI chatbots for assisting patients. 32 countries out of 50 have introduced AI-powered diagnostic tools for disease detection and imaging.

Moreover, AI is also used in diverse fields, including mental health, pathology, screening, administrative tasks, data analysis, and effective workforce planning.

According to the report, Finland is using AI for health workforce training. Spain is striving to achieve early disease detection by using AI models. Estonia is performing AI-powered data analysis.

When it comes to regulation, only 4 countries–Finland, Andorra, Sweden, and Slovakia–among 50 surveyed countries have developed national strategies for AI in the health sector.

14 countries are known for allocating funds for AI regulation efforts.

Dr Hans Kluge, head of the WHO's Europe office, warned that without "clear strategies, data privacy, legal guardrails and investment in AI literacy, these models could exacerbate Europe's health disparities.”

"AI is on the verge of revolutionising health care, but its promise will only be realised if people and patients remain at the centre of every decision," Kluge added.

As per WHO’s recommendations, the countries should enact AI regulatory frameworks and align them with public health objectives, strengthen existing guidelines around artificial intelligence, and ensure transparency in every AI-based decision.

Europe must test AI models for safety and fairness before they reach patients.