Artificial Intelligence is expected to transform healthcare around the world, from diagnosing diseases to supporting clinical decisions and monitoring patients. But without proper regulation, trust and oversight, the technology could create new risks rather than solve existing problems.
That was the message from Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa while addressing a special session on “Artificial Intelligence in Health: Laws, Ethical Oversight, Research and Equity” at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.
The event brought together health ministers, policymakers and experts from 194 countries to discuss how AI is reshaping healthcare systems and medical research worldwide.
He noted that authorities have already recognized the need for dedicated regulations to govern the use of AI in healthcare and have taken steps to establish a regulatory authority under the Personal Data Protection Act.
The minister said particular attention must be given to the registration, evaluation and ongoing monitoring of AI-powered tools used in disease diagnosis, clinical decision-making and patient care.
He also stressed that privacy protection, cybersecurity and accountability must become core components of future digital health systems.
According to Jayatissa, ethical safeguards should not be added later but built into technology from the earliest stages of development.
The minister also highlighted a growing global concern: AI systems developed in one country may not automatically work effectively in another.
He warned that healthcare inequalities could widen if AI technologies are introduced without adapting them to local disease patterns, healthcare practices, language requirements and social conditions.
Looking ahead, Jayatissa said new regulatory structures and intellectual property frameworks will also be needed to govern the growing use of large-scale health data in medical research and pharmaceutical development.
Representatives and health ministers from several countries, including India, Nepal and Thailand, participated in the discussion, reflecting increasing global attention on the role of AI in the future of healthcare.
Last modified: May 23, 2026
