AI in Healthcare: Global Experts Gather in Helsinki to Balance Innovation with Human Rights

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AI in Healthcare: Global Experts Gather in Helsinki to Balance Innovation with Human Rights

RMN News Health Desk
May 26, 2025

Helsinki, Finland – More than 400 representatives from ministries, health professionals, experts, patient associations, and international organizations recently convened in Helsinki to tackle the complex intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) in the health sector and its profound implications for human rights.

Organized jointly by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health of Finland and the Council of Europe (CoE), the significant event aimed to explore AI’s impact, particularly on the therapeutic relationship between patients and doctors.

Highlighting the transformative potential of AI, Finnish Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen stated, “AI is one of the biggest technological leaps in recent years, offering enormous opportunities for healthcare, too. AI is already used to a great extent in medical research and in the development of new treatments.”.

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However, the Minister also underscored critical ethical considerations. “In addition to abundant opportunities, the use of AI involves ethical issues, such as the protection of patients’ privacy and equitable access to health services,” she noted. Emphasizing the paramount importance of patient rights, she added, “Patients’ right to self-determination and the protection of their privacy must be upheld in the midst of all technological advancements. They must not be compromised under any circumstances.”.

Denis Huber, the Head of the Council of Europe Health Department, stressed the enduring necessity of human elements in healthcare delivery. “The governance of artificial intelligence must ensure that human cognition, empathy, and trust remain powerful forces in the provision of healthcare services,” Huber commented. He further clarified the role of AI-enabled care, stating, “Ultimately, at all stages of the healthcare journey, AI-enabled care should never be a substitute for people who need human professional contact and guidance.”.

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Discussions during the conference also delved into practical aspects of AI integration. Participants explored the crucial information and critical reflections patients require when interacting with AI systems. The necessary skills and competences for healthcare professionals using AI systems were also a key topic. Furthermore, the vital place of informed consent, particularly when personal health data is collected for developing and training AI systems, was a central point of discussion.

The conference was prompted by a report from the Steering Committee for Human Rights in the fields of Biomedicine and Health (CDBIO) concerning the impact of AI on the “patient-doctor” relationship.