Health AI attracts what feels like equal measures of excitement and hope, as well as fear and distrust. This is why balanced information and grounded work are so important to cut through the hype, build trust, and unlock the undeniable potential of AI in healthcare.
This potential lies both in primary use, the treatment of patients, and secondary use, supporting research and innovation to develop new drugs, devices, and improve services and outcomes. This is why the work of HealthAI – The Global Agency for Responsible AI in Health, is so important.
Much attention is given to educating clinicians and those developing AI tools and systems. However, far less focus is placed on those working in Ministries of Health and regulatory bodies, who also need knowledge, information, understanding, and skills to shape balanced regulation. Regulation that enables innovation while protecting patient safety and privacy. One of the biggest challenges is that technology evolves rapidly, while regulation is slower and constantly at risk of falling behind. No single country has all the answers.
That is why cross-border exchange of information, ideas, and collaboration is essential to achieving the right balance for AI in healthcare. We are therefore delighted that HealthAI is a member of ECHAlliance The Global Health Connector, and part of its Community of Practice. We are opening our network of global members, partners, and connections to support HealthAI and encourage them to get involved in shaping its work for the benefit of all.
At ECHAlliance, we also have a multistakeholder AI Club, which has published a report, and a Round Table Programme, which included a dedicated session on AI and its own published report. As we continue our work on health and AI later this year, with two new AI-focused Round Tables, we look forward to collaborating closely with HealthAI.
