The warning comes in a report from the UN’s World Health Organization (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 is interpreted and resources are allocated.
“But without clear strategies, data protection, legal protections and investment in artificial intelligence, we risk deepening inequalities instead of reducing them,” said Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.
Transformation of the healthcare system
The report is the first comprehensive assessment of how AI is being adopted and regulated in healthcare systems across the region. The survey was sent to the 53 countries there and 50 participated.
Although almost everyone recognizes how AI could transform healthcare – from diagnostics to disease monitoring to personalized medicine – only four countries have a dedicated national strategy, and another seven are developing one.
Some countries are taking proactive steps, such as Estonia, where electronic health records, insurance data and population databases are connected in a unified platform that supports AI tools.
Finland has also invested in AI training for healthcare workers, while Spain is piloting AI for early disease detection in primary healthcare.
Challenges and limitations
But across the region, regulation is struggling to keep pace with technology.
43 countries, 86 percent, report legal uncertainty as their biggest barrier to AI adoption, while 39 – that’s 78 percent – cite affordability.
Meanwhile, less than 10 percent of countries have liability standards for AI in health, which are critical to determining who is liable in the event that an AI system makes a mistake or causes harm.
“Despite these challenges, there is broad consensus on the policy measures that can facilitate the spread of artificial intelligence“, the report states.
“Almost all Member States considered clear rules of responsibility for producers, implementers and users of AI systems as a key enabler. Similarly, guidance ensuring transparency, verifiability and explainability of AI solutions is considered essential to build trust in AI-driven outcomes.”
Always prioritize people
The WHO encouraged countries to develop AI strategies that are consistent with public health goals.
They were also encouraged to invest in an AI-ready workforce, strengthen legal and ethical safeguards, engage with the public and improve cross-border data management.
“AI is on the verge of revolutionizing healthcare, but its promise will only be realized if people and patients remain at the center of every decision,” said Dr. Kluge.
“The choices we make now will determine whether AI empowers patients and healthcare professionals or leaves them behind.”
