A joint report by the World Health Organisation and the European Union has revealed that artificial intelligence is now widely embedded across healthcare systems in Europe, with 74 per cent of countries in the bloc using AI tools for medical imaging, disease detection, and clinical decision support.

The study also found that 63 per cent of EU nations have introduced AI-powered chatbot services for patients, reflecting growing efforts to enhance access to care while ensuring that technologies are deployed in a safe, fair, and responsible manner.

However, as AI becomes more integrated into clinical settings, the WHO has underscored the urgent need to equip healthcare professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to use these technologies effectively, without compromising patient care standards. The report stresses that workforce readiness will be critical to sustaining the benefits of AI-driven healthcare innovation.

The findings come as the European Union prepares to roll out the world’s first comprehensive legal framework regulating artificial intelligence. In this context, the WHO has emphasized the importance of broader engagement with patients and the public to build trust in AI-enabled systems.

Without meaningful public consultation, the report warns, AI-driven healthcare solutions could face resistance or even rejection, potentially undermining care delivery and outcomes.