The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that while the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is accelerating in healthcare, basic legal safety nets that protect patients and health workers remain largely absent.
The warning comes in a report from the WHO’s Europe office, where AI is already helping doctors spot diseases, reduce administrative tasks, and communicate with patients.
“The technology is reshaping how care is delivered, how data are interpreted, and how 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, in a statement on Wednesday.
The report represents the first comprehensive assessment of AI adoption and regulation in health systems across the European region. Of the 53 countries surveyed, 50 participated.
While nearly all countries recognize AI’s potential—from diagnostics and disease surveillance to personalized medicine—only four countries have a dedicated national strategy, with seven more in development.
Some nations are taking proactive steps: Estonia links electronic health records, insurance data, and population databases in a unified platform supporting AI tools; Finland has invested in AI training for health workers; and Spain is piloting AI for early disease detection in primary healthcare.
Despite these efforts, regulation is struggling to keep pace. Forty-three countries (86%) cited legal uncertainty as their top barrier to AI adoption, while 39 countries (78%) reported financial affordability as a major challenge. Less than 10% of countries have established liability standards to determine responsibility if an AI system makes a mistake or causes harm.
“Despite these challenges, there is broad consensus on policy measures to facilitate AI uptake. Nearly all Member States view clear liability rules for manufacturers, employers, and users of AI systems as essential. Guidance ensuring transparency, verifiability, and explainable of AI solutions is also critical for building trust,” the report stated.
WHO urged countries to develop AI strategies aligned with public health goals, 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. The choices we make now will determine whether AI empowers patients and health workers or leaves them behind,” Dr. Kluge said.
