Health, Artificial intelligence it is useful, but it must be regulated
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has gained an increasingly central role in healthcare. However, according to Hans Kluge, the European regional director of the World Health Organization (WHO), the growing adoption of AI in the healthcare sector brings with it the need for strict regulation.
Hans Kluge expressed his views during a WHO event focused on the future of health in the digital age. “AI has enormous potential, for example in the development of new drugs and medical screening,” he said. However, he stressed that the real danger lies in the “lack of regulation”.
In medicine, the key principle is “primum non nocere” – first of all, do no harm. That's why governments must take action to ensure that AI is used ethically and safely, without stifling innovation.
Future Healthcare Challenges: Pandemics and Staff Shortages
In addition to AI, the WHO director discussed other imminent threats to public health. These include a potential resurgence of Covid-19 and the shortage of healthcare workers in several European countries. According to him, although countries are better prepared for future waves of Covid-19, vigilance must not be interrupted. Continued wastewater testing and mass vaccination, including for seasonal influenza, are crucial.
The growing transmission of Covid and new variants
The ECDC (European Center for Disease Control and Prevention) has detected an increase in Covid transmission in recent weeks. Furthermore, new subvariants of the virus, such as EG.5 and BA.2.86, have emerged, increasing public health concerns. Fortunately, Pfizer and Moderna have reported that their updated vaccines are effective against these new variants.
Problems Beyond the Pandemic: War and Climate Change
Hans Kluge highlighted that two other major threats loom over global health: the war in Ukraine and climate change. The UN reported that since the conflict began in February 2022, more than a thousand attacks have been launched against Ukrainian health facilities. As for climate change, the threat is already “here and now,” according to Kluge.
Healthcare Staff Crisis and the Retirement Age
Another critical aspect addressed is the shortage of healthcare personnel in Europe. Many doctors will soon reach retirement age, and this is a growing concern for healthcare systems. “More than 40% of our primary care physicians are approaching or have already reached retirement age,” Kluge warned, underlining the need to rethink the organization of healthcare and reduce the administrative burden on doctors.
In summary, while AI offers game-changing opportunities in health, it is critical to address other challenges in parallel, such as regulation, ongoing pandemic vigilance, and healthcare workforce shortages. All of this requires a balanced and holistic approach to ensure safe and effective healthcare in the future.
