New Delhi: Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly gaining traction in healthcare systems across the European Union, with all 27 member states identifying improved patient care as a primary driver of adoption. A new report by the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe highlights that most countries are already integrating AI tools into clinical settings.
Described as the first comprehensive review of its kind focused on the EU, the report draws on data collected between June 2024 and March 2025 under a multi-year agreement with the European Commission.
The findings show that 74 per cent of EU countries are using AI-assisted diagnostics, including applications in medical imaging, disease detection, and clinical decision-making. Additionally, 63 per cent have deployed AI-powered chatbots to enhance patient engagement.
Nearly half of EU member states have introduced specialised roles in AI and data science within healthcare systems, while several are planning to introduce or expand AI training programs, reports Xinhua news agency.
Headquartered in Copenhagen, WHO/Europe said the findings reflect a growing emphasis on workforce preparedness as AI becomes more embedded in medical practice.
Countries are increasingly incorporating AI literacy into both medical education and ongoing professional development. This is aimed at enabling healthcare workers to use AI responsibly while maintaining care standards and accountability.
The report also underscores the importance of public and stakeholder participation in AI governance. It states that 81 per cent of EU countries are actively involving stakeholders in shaping AI policies in health, while broader engagement with patients and the public is seen as key to building trust and ensuring ethical deployment.
The report urged governments to prioritise three areas: strengthening workforce readiness through education and training on AI fundamentals, ethics and data governance; ensuring inclusive and transparent engagement by involving health professionals, patients and the public in AI policy development; and establishing centres of excellence to test technologies, share best practices and develop common standards for safe and equitable implementation.
(DD News)