The state welcomes and practically supports the implementation of new technologies and innovative solutions, especially in the health sector, which aim to upgrade and improve the quality of life of citizens, said the Minister of Health Michalis Damianos today, noting at the same time the need to ensure of the fundamental principles of Bioethics. Only under these conditions will we be able to make full use of Artificial Intelligence without the risk of violating fundamental human rights and patient safety, he said.
Mr. Damianos was speaking at a workshop on "Artificial Intelligence and Health Services - The Role of Bioethics and Medical Ethics", organized by the National Bioethics Committee of Cyprus in collaboration with the Bioethics and Technoethics Committee of Greece.
“Artificial intelligence is emerging as one of the most important technological developments of the 21st century with an influence on many areas of society, including Medical Science. "Already in several countries around the world, medical schools are deciding to include Artificial Intelligence courses in their curriculum," said the Minister of Health.
Artificial Intelligence, he added, thanks to its great potential, can, among other things, improve diagnosis, offer more personalized treatments and contribute to disease prevention. Machine learning algorithms are capable of processing large amounts of data, analyzing medical images, medical records and genetic information in a way that exceeds the capabilities of humans.
In addition, pointed out Mr. Damianos, "the application of Artificial Intelligence extends to other important areas, such as telemedicine, robotic surgery, as well as drug research and development."
"There are now many organizations in the health sector that are based in Cyprus and apply Artificial Intelligence in their practices. Among them are the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, the University of Cyprus Biobank Center of Excellence and the German Oncology Center," he said.
However, he added, "the integration of Artificial Intelligence into medicine, despite the significant benefits it offers, raises serious bioethical dilemmas that require careful analysis and regulation."
“The processing of large amounts of personal and sensitive data poses risks to the security and privacy of patient information. It is essential to have strong data protection systems in place to ensure that data is not used without appropriate consent, and to ensure anonymity where necessary," he said.
At the same time, Mr. Damianos said that inequality in access to AI-based health services could have serious implications for vulnerable population groups. Privileged socio-economic groups may have better access to health services using Artificial Intelligence than the less privileged. "Its ethical use requires ensuring fair and equal access to these technologies for all patients," he noted.
According to the Minister of Health, another serious issue concerns the attribution of responsibility in case of incorrect diagnoses or treatments. The legal answer to who is responsible in such cases — whether it lies with the data provider, the system manufacturer, or the doctors who use it — remains unclear and requires legislation.
The state, he noted, "welcomes and practically supports the application of new technologies and innovative solutions, in all sectors, especially in the health sector, which aim to upgrade and improve the quality of life of citizens".
"We all understand that the use of Artificial Intelligence in medical science is now a fact. The need to ensure the fundamental principles of Bioethics, in accordance with the Oviedo Convention ratified by the Republic of Cyprus, is now more imperative than ever. Only under these conditions will we be able to make full use of Artificial Intelligence without the risk of violating fundamental human rights and patient safety," he said.
Source: KYPE
