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AIIMS Expert Warns: Never Use AI for Self-Diagnosis After Patient Harm

The Head of Rheumatology at AIIMS, Dr Uma Kumar, issued a strong warning against using AI tools like ChatGPT for self-diagnosis, citing a case where a patient caused himself harm. She emphasized that professional diagnosis works by exclusion and investigation, not by AI-generated suggestions. This warning was echoed by Dr Abhijat Sheth of the National Medical Commission, who stated AI must complement, not replace, doctors while preserving clinical ethics. In response to this evolving field, the NBEMS has launched a free AI awareness course for medical trainees.

Key Points: Doctors Warn Against AI Self-Diagnosis After Patient Injury

  • Patient harmed by ChatGPT self-diagnosis
  • AI cannot replace real doctors
  • Risk of false medication information
  • Ethical values must not be compromised
  • NBEMS launches AI course for doctors
2 min read

"Do not use AI for self-diagnosis": AIIMS Rheumatology Department HoD

AIIMS specialist shares a patient harmed by ChatGPT self-diagnosis. Medical leaders caution AI cannot replace doctors' clinical judgment and ethics.

"Do not use AI for self-diagnosis or self-treatment - Dr Uma Kumar"

New Delhi, January 16

AIIMS Rheumatology Department HoD, Dr Uma Kumar, on Friday warned against using artificial intelligence for self-diagnosing. Kumar addressed the issue of false medication information using ChatGPT and shared a patient story as a cautionary tale.

"One of our patients self-diagnosed his back pain using ChatGPT and started taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which caused bleeding", she said.

Explaining the process of professional diagnosing, she said, "All ailments are diagnosed by exclusion, and we advise medicines according to the investigation."

She strongly advised against using AI for symptom treatment due to associated risks.

"Do not use AI for self-diagnosis or self-treatment", she emphasised.

On January 1, the National Medical Commission (NMC) Chairperson and President of National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), Dr Abhijat Sheth, shared his views on AI and its integration into medical science.

He cautioned that the use of AI should not impact the doctors' values: "We must make sure that while practising AI in healthcare, the ethical and clinical values must not be compromised."

Sheth maintained his stance on AI being useful but cannot replace real doctors. "AI is a huge complement to progress in medicine, but we have to realise it must not replace the real doctors. We must value our physical presence and not become too dependent on AI."

He cautioned about over-dependency on Artificial intelligence for students, but maintained that it is undoubtedly a prominent inclusion into healthcare and that "its importance cannot be understated".

Additionally, he also explained the purpose behind the free AI course for doctors launched by NBEMS on December 30, 2025. "We felt that this is an evolving area and awareness should be increased among the trainees in undergraduates and postgraduates."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I agree with the warning, let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater. AI tools are fantastic for initial research and understanding symptoms. The key is to take that info TO your doctor, not act on it yourself. The NBEMS course for doctors is a step in the right direction.
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Sarah B
This is a global issue, not just an Indian one. The convenience of ChatGPT is tempting, but medicine is complex. The patient story about back pain and bleeding is a serious wake-up call. Hope people listen.
A
Aman W
In smaller towns where specialist access is limited, people often turn to the internet. The government should promote telemedicine more aggressively alongside these warnings. AI + a remote doctor consultation could be a safe middle path for many. 🏥
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, the medical community also needs to look inward. Sometimes the urge for self-diagnosis comes from expensive consultations and long wait times at hospitals like AIIMS. Improving patient experience will reduce the temptation to use AI incorrectly.
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Divya L
My father always says "Doctor ki suno, Internet ki nahi". This news proves that old wisdom is still gold. Thank you, AIIMS, for this clear warning. Our health is not a web search.

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