Experts Debate the Role of AI in Bridging Healthcare Gaps

The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare has sparked significant debate among commentators and policy experts, including the World Health Organization (WHO). The organization has released detailed guidelines focusing on the ethics and governance of AI in health, co-leading the Global Initiative on AI for Health (GI-AI4H). While AI presents notable advantages, the WHO emphasizes that careful consideration of methodological aspects is essential for achieving real progress in universal health care.

Concerns surrounding the deployment of AI in healthcare are varied and substantial. Among the risks identified are diagnostic errors, where AI systems may misinterpret medical images or provide incorrect treatment recommendations. Furthermore, bias and inequality in AI algorithms are concerning, as these systems learn from historical data that may not adequately represent diverse populations. This can lead to subpar performance for underrepresented groups.

Data privacy and security also pose significant challenges. The reliance on sensitive patient information increases the risk of breaches. In addition, automation bias can lead healthcare professionals to over-rely on AI recommendations without sufficient critical evaluation. There is also the risk of misalignment between the goals of AI systems and the ethical standards of healthcare providers, resulting in potential systemic risks as AI becomes more integrated into healthcare practices.

Despite these challenges, some experts offer a more optimistic perspective. Dr. Essam Hamza, CEO of Rocket Doctor AI Inc., argues that the issue lies not with AI itself but rather with the implementation of the wrong kind of AI. He believes that well-designed AI can significantly benefit both doctors and patients. According to Hamza, AI can serve as a safer, evidence-based alternative that reduces errors, facilitates earlier disease detection, and improves personalized treatment plans.

Hamza stated, “The WHO is absolutely right to highlight the risks that come with the rapid rise of AI in healthcare. Too many systems rely on opaque algorithms and the possibility of hallucinations, without the legal or clinical safeguards patients and health workers deserve.” He went on to explain that Rocket Doctor AI has taken a fundamentally different approach by developing a proprietary, physician-built Global Library of Medicine (GLM) and a suite of AI-driven solutions that prioritize transparency and safety.

He emphasized the importance of using AI to support rather than replace healthcare professionals. “As demand surges for trustworthy clinical tools that reduce administrative load and strengthen accuracy in diagnoses, we believe our methodology, built over more than a decade by hundreds of clinicians, is the model the industry needs,” Hamza noted.

In discussing future applications of AI in healthcare, Hamza expressed optimism. “This design ensures that AI is used to support, not replace, healthcare professionals—strengthening safety, improving decision-making, and ultimately delivering better outcomes for patients.” He concluded by stressing that while innovation in healthcare must progress rapidly, it must also prioritize safety. “Our commitment is to do both,” he asserted.

As the conversation around AI in healthcare continues to evolve, the balance between leveraging technological advancements and addressing associated risks remains a critical focus for experts and institutions worldwide.