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AI Transforms EU Healthcare: WHO Reports Widespread Adoption & Future Plans

A new WHO/Europe report finds artificial intelligence is becoming deeply integrated into healthcare systems across all 27 EU member states. The comprehensive review shows 74% of countries are already deploying AI for diagnostics, including medical imaging and disease detection, while 63% use chatbots for patient engagement. Nearly half have created dedicated AI and data science roles, with a strong focus on building workforce readiness through education and training programs. The report urges governments to prioritize workforce development, inclusive public engagement, and establishing centers of excellence to ensure safe and equitable AI implementation.

Key Points: WHO: AI Use in EU Healthcare Gaining Ground, Report Finds

  • 74% of EU states use AI diagnostics
  • 63% employ patient engagement chatbots
  • 81% involve stakeholders in AI governance
  • Focus on workforce training & public trust
2 min read

WHO says AI use in health care gaining ground across EU

WHO report reveals 74% of EU states use AI for diagnostics, with focus on workforce training and public trust in health AI governance.

"74 per cent of EU countries are already using AI-assisted diagnostics - WHO/Europe Report"

Oslo, April 21

Artificial intelligence is gaining ground in health care systems across the European Union, with all 27 member states identifying better patient care as a key driver of AI development and most already deploying AI tools in clinical settings, according to a new report released by the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe.

Described by WHO/Europe as the first comprehensive review of its kind focused specifically on the EU, the report was based on data collected between June 2024 and March 2025 under a multi-year funding agreement with the European Commission.

According to the report, 74 per cent of EU countries are already using AI-assisted diagnostics, including tools for medical imaging, disease detection and clinical decision-making. Another 63 per cent are using chatbots to support patient engagement.

Nearly half of EU member states have also created dedicated professional roles for AI and data science in health, while several countries are planning to introduce or expand AI training programs, reports Xinhua news agency.

WHO/Europe, which is headquartered in Copenhagen, said the findings point to a growing focus on workforce readiness as AI becomes more embedded in clinical practice.

Countries are increasingly incorporating AI literacy into both pre-service education and continuous professional development to help health workers engage with the technology critically, maintain standards of care and uphold accountability in AI-assisted decision-making.

The report also highlighted the importance of public and stakeholder involvement in AI governance. It said 81 per cent of EU member states are already actively involving stakeholders in shaping AI governance in health. Wider consultation with patients and the public, it added, would help strengthen trust and ensure AI tools reflect the needs of those they serve.

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.

- IANS

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R
Rohit P
Interesting report. But the key point is "involving stakeholders." In India, any AI rollout in health must involve our doctors, nurses, and ASHA workers from the start. A top-down approach from bureaucrats won't work. We need ground-up feedback.
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Aman W
Good to see the focus on ethics and data governance. My main worry is data privacy. Before we jump on this bandwagon, India needs a watertight data protection law for health information. We can't let patient data become a commodity.
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Sarah B
The part about AI literacy in education is crucial. We shouldn't just import tech, we should build capacity. IITs and AIIMS should collaborate to create specialized courses. We have the talent to develop solutions for our unique challenges.
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Vikram M
While the EU progress is commendable, let's be realistic about India. We still have primary health centres without reliable electricity or internet. Basic digital infrastructure is step one. AI is step ten. We need to fix the fundamentals first.
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Kavya N
Chatbots for patient engagement sound promising! Imagine a multilingual AI assistant that can explain prescriptions, remind about medications, and answer basic health queries in local languages. This could reduce so much confusion and improve adherence. 🙏

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