Ministry of Social Affairs and Health to organise international conference on use of AI in healthcare

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health will organise an international conference in cooperation with the Council of Europe to discuss artificial intelligence (AI) as part of healthcare. The event is for invited guests, but anyone interested in the topic can follow the event as it will be streamed online.

The high-level conference to be held in Helsinki on 21 May will focus on how AI shapes healthcare and affects the care and treatment of patients and the work of healthcare professionals. The event will be opened by Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen. 

“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,” says Minister Grahn-Laasonen. 

“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. 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,” says Grahn-Laasonen.    

Denis Huber, Head of the Health Department at the Council of Europe, will also deliver a speech at the event. 

“The governance of artificial intelligence must ensure that human cognition, empathy, and trust remain powerful forces in the provision of healthcare services. 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”, says Huber. 

Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights and the EU AI Act regulate the use of AI 

The Council of Europe adopted the Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law – the first of its kind – on 15 May 2024. In addition to the Framework Convention, the use of AI is regulated by the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, which entered into force on 1 August 2024. The Act aims to ensure, among other things, that AI systems introduced or entering the market do not endanger people’s health, safety or fundamental rights. 

The conference will provide a forum for discussing the topic at the European level. The event will be organised by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health in cooperation with the Council of Europe. The event will be held in English. It will also be streamed in its entirety so that everyone interested in the topic can follow the discussion.  

Inquiries: 

Joni Komulainen, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 163 453

Tuula Helander, Director of Biotechnology and Medicines Unit, tel. +358 295 163 480

Niilo Heinonen, Special Adviser to the Minister of Social Security, tel. +358 295 163 603

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