WHO flags weak AI regulation in European health systems

The World Health Organization’s European regional director, Hans Kluge, warned that only 8 % of European countries have a dedicated strategy for health‑focused artificial intelligence. While nearly two‑thirds of the 53 member states already use AI for diagnostic purposes and about half have deployed AI‑based patient‑communication chatbots, governance frameworks lag far behind. Kluge said that merely one in twelve countries has a comprehensive oversight strategy, and around 40 % lack any ethical guidance for health AI. He cautioned that “a biased algorithm can produce a wrong diagnosis for a real patient,” highlighting the potential harm that can arise when clinicians rely on opaque AI tools.

The WHO’s European office surveyed all member states, finding that only a fifth provide AI training for health professionals before qualification, and just a quarter offer continuing education for existing staff. Less than half of the countries have reviewed whether their legal frameworks can accommodate AI use, and many lack clear accountability mechanisms. The organization plans to publish a global AI‑in‑Health roadmap by 2028 to address these gaps. The report also cited Portugal’s Coimbra region, where AI‑assisted image analysis is already helping doctors detect chest diseases and fractures more quickly, illustrating the benefits of well‑governed AI deployment.