UN Urges Legal Safeguards for AI Use in Healthcare

Artificial intelligence is already transforming healthcare but the World Health Organization says that inequalities in access to care risk increasing.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is accelerating in healthcare, but basic legal safety nets to protect patients and health workers are lacking.

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

The technology is reshaping how care is delivered, data are interpreted, and resources are allocated.

“But without clear strategies, data privacy, legal guardrails, and investment in AI literacy, we risk deepening inequities rather than reducing them,” said Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.

Transforming Healthcare

The report is the first comprehensive assessment of AI adoption and regulation in health systems across the region. The survey was sent to 53 countries, with 50 responding.

Although nearly all countries recognize AI’s potential to transform healthcare—from diagnostics to disease surveillance to personalized medicine—only four have a dedicated national strategy, with seven more in development.

Some countries are taking proactive steps. In Estonia, electronic health records, insurance data, and population databases are linked in a unified platform that supports AI tools. Finland has invested in AI training for health workers, while Spain is piloting AI for early disease detection in primary healthcare.

Challenges and Constraints

Regulation is struggling to keep pace with technology across the region. Forty-three countries (86%) report legal uncertainty as their top barrier to AI adoption, while 39 (78%) cite financial affordability.

Fewer than 10% of countries have liability standards for AI in health, critical for determining responsibility if an AI system makes a mistake or causes harm.

“Despite these challenges, there is broad consensus on policy measures that could facilitate AI uptake,” the report said.

“Nearly all Member States viewed clear liability rules for manufacturers, deployers, and users of AI systems as a key enabler. Guidance ensuring transparency, verifiability, and explainability of AI solutions is also essential for building trust in AI-driven outcomes.”

Prioritize People Always

WHO urged countries to develop AI strategies aligned with public health goals. They were encouraged to invest in an AI-ready workforce, strengthen legal and ethical safeguards, engage the public, and improve cross-border data governance.

“AI is on the verge of revolutionizing healthcare, but its promise will only be realized if people and patients remain at the centre of every decision,” said Dr. Kluge.

“The choices we make now will determine whether AI empowers patients and health workers or leaves them behind.”