Is AI the Answer? Exploring the Challenges and Solutions of AI in Strengthening Health Systems: Insights from PMAC 2025
Is AI the Answer? Exploring the Challenges and Solutions of AI in Strengthening Health Systems: Insights from PMAC 2025
ต้องการข้อมูลเพิ่มเติม ติดต่อฝ่ายสื่อสารองค์กร HITAP
At the recent Prince Mahidol Award Conference (PMAC) 2025, the Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program (HITAP) Foundation hosted a side meeting on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. This meeting “Is AI a Panacea for the Health Sector? Navigating the Barriers to Adopt AI to Strengthen Health Systems and Empower Limited Resource Settings,” brought together international experts who shared their perspectives, focusing on identifying key barriers and exploring practical solutions for integrating AI into health systems.
AI’s Transformative Role in Healthcare
AI has the potential to transform healthcare, but its integration presents unique challenges, especially in low- and middle-income countries, as Dr. Surakameth Mahasirimonkol, Director of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Ministry of Public Health, noted in his opening remarks. He cited examples of AI’s benefits in healthcare, such as improved detection and treatment adherence in tuberculosis care. However, realising this potential requires consideration of key challenges, including data privacy and security, potential bias in AI models that can lead to disparities, workforce readiness, and ensuring equity and ethical governance. Dr. Surakameth also highlighted the importance of ethical implementation, infrastructure investment, and workforce training for AI’s long-term success.
Data Security and Privacy: A Foundation for AI in Healthcare
Data security and privacy are fundamental to AI adoption in healthcare. Mr. Khachon Mongkonchoo, Director of Intelligent Data Innovation at Thailand’s National Health Security Office (NHSO), outlined Thailand’s approach to secure health data sharing and its AI initiatives, emphasising the importance of robust cybersecurity for enhancing core transactions. Data protection is a top priority, leading the NHSO to employ comprehensive data protection measures, including regulatory compliance, certifications, and technical safeguards. To address these challenges, future steps involve enhanced threat detection, expanded training, and strengthened data governance.
![Professor Nam-Kyong Choi (Ewha Womans University, South Korea), Dr. Patricia Mechael (HealthEnabled), and Dr. Surakameth Mahasirimonkol (Ministry of Public Health, Thailand) [left to right] at the HITAP PMAC2025 side meeting](https://www.hitap.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Picture2.jpg)
Professor Nam-Kyong Choi (Ewha Womans University, South Korea), Dr. Patricia Mechael (HealthEnabled), and Dr. Surakameth Mahasirimonkol (Ministry of Public Health, Thailand) [left to right] at the HITAP PMAC2025 side meeting
Similarly, South Korea prioritises data security and privacy in its healthcare system. Professor Nam-Kyong Choi from Ewha Womans University highlighted the National Big Data Platform’s stringent privacy safeguards, enabling data integration for informed decisions and service improvements. The importance of thorough data protection assessments and regular risk assessments for AI applications was also stressed, along with careful management of secondary data use to prevent breaches and ensure ethical healthcare advancements.
Regulatory and Ethical Considerations for AI in Health
As AI becomes increasingly integrated into healthcare, regulatory frameworks must evolve to keep pace with these advancements, according to Dr. Patricia Mechael, CEO of HealthEnabled. She pointed out gaps in AI oversight, particularly for medical devices, and addressed gender disparities in clinical research, such as the underrepresentation of women in heart disease studies. Dr. Mechael discussed the importance of ensuring that AI development is equitable, and recommended comprehensive ethical guidelines, regular audits for algorithmic bias, and diverse datasets for AI training.
Lessons from Estonia’s Digital Health Success Story
Successful AI implementation in healthcare relies on robust digital infrastructure. Professor Dr. Peeter Ross from Tallinn University of Technology in Estonia showcased Estonia’s success in digital healthcare, with 99% of public services online, a comprehensive health information system, and the X-Road platform for secure data exchange. Estonia’s paperless prescriptions improve efficiency and safety. However, integrating patient summaries across the EU remains a challenge. The session emphasised the need for strong governance, workforce development, and quality data integration for AI’s transformative impact on healthcare.
Lively interaction among health experts during the Q&A session
A Call to Action: Investing in AI for Global Health
The session concluded with a call to action, emphasising that responsible AI implementation can significantly improve global health. Experts stressed the need for AI infrastructure and workforce training, robust ethical frameworks and data security, and international collaboration to maximize AI’s impact on healthcare access and efficiency.
HITAP Foundation’s role in hosting these discussions reaffirmed its commitment to digital health and international collaboration in this area. These discussions are a crucial step toward a future where AI empowers global health systems. Achieving this future demands collaborative efforts, prioritizing ethical AI, robust data governance, and equitable access to ensure AI benefits all populations.
6 February 2025
