Two Important Conditions for Using AI in Medical Research

According to a reporter of  IRIB News Agency, Shahin Akhundzadeh, the deputy for research and technology of the Ministry of Health, said at this ceremony, referring to the rapid spread of artificial intelligence in the world: The AI wave has become intensely pervasive, and if we do not devise a plan to face it, we may drown in this wave. The scope of medical services is very diverse, and it is essential that we, as users of this technology, become familiar with its frameworks and regulations and comply with them.

Pointing to the high volume of investment by the countries of the region in this field, he added: According to what the Minister of Health recounted about a program in Saudi Arabia, that country has committed to investing $150 billion in the field of artificial intelligence. Comparing such investments with the resources we have available in Iran is worrying and raises the question of how we can compete with the countries of the region.
According to Akhundzadeh, artificial intelligence has entered the medical field, and today's issue is the correct and responsible use of its capacities.

The deputy for research and technology of the Ministry of Health, referring to the wide applications of artificial intelligence in research activities, stated: Today, this technology can be used in designing studies, analyzing data, editing scientific articles and drafting research proposals, but acceptance of these uses has two basic conditions: first, the researcher must closely supervise the AI's output, and second, the use of this tool must be declared transparently.

He continued: Artificial intelligence can provide considerable assistance in the medical field. Among other things, in the process of discovering and developing new drugs, which has always imposed heavy costs on pharmaceutical companies, this technology has provided the capacity to reduce costs and speed up processes.

Akhundzadeh also cited modeling the spread of diseases, analyzing public health data and examining the social factors affecting health as other areas of application of artificial intelligence.

Warning about patients' confidential information

This official went on to warn about the dangers of the improper use of artificial intelligence and said: Artificial intelligence may produce incorrect or fabricated information and lead the researcher into error. If a researcher trusts such information without examination and verification, the course of their research may be derailed.

He considered the entry of patients' confidential information into artificial intelligence systems to be another serious concern and stressed: Placing patients' confidential information at the disposal of these systems is a wrong action that is unfortunately taking place. The use of artificial intelligence must be accompanied by transparency and the full acceptance of responsibility by users.

Akhundzadeh, stating that the Ministry of Health has accepted the use of artificial intelligence within the framework of international laws and regulations, added: If these frameworks are observed, there is no obstacle to the use of artificial intelligence in scientific and medical activities.

He expressed hope that Sina Hospital, by developing artificial intelligence applications in treatment services, would become one of the leading centers in this field in the country's health system.