Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into healthcare, with major hospital chains and startups employing AI for early disease detection, cancer genomics, IVF, and ICU monitoring. AI agents are advancing beyond diagnostic tools to autonomous systems capable of scheduling appointments, generating medical reports, and remotely monitoring patients. However, a Sky News investigation revealed that some NHS doctors in the UK are using AI software to record and transcribe patient consultations that do not meet minimum safety and data security standards, raising concerns about clinical safety and patient privacy. NHS England has warned about the risks associated with these unsafe AI applications, and calls have been made for government action to regulate and identify trustworthy AI providers.
Meanwhile, global developments include Alibaba’s AI model deployed in 20 Chinese hospitals, which has screened over 78,000 patients for gastric cancer, detecting tumors months before symptoms appear. Research institutions like Garvan are developing AI tools such as “AAnet” to identify hidden tumor cell types for targeted cancer therapies. The Mayo Clinic’s Generative AI Program emphasizes the importance of trustworthy, verifiable AI in clinical settings. Additionally, AI is being applied in cardiovascular MRI and automated quality control of chest radiographs. Political discussions in the UK include proposals to expand AI doctor consultations via the NHS app. Legal experts highlight the need for careful AI contract management to avoid data security issues in healthcare.
