AI NewsWaveHealth Ministry and WHO Announce Seoul Declaration on AI Healthcare, Setting International Principles for Medical AI
Key points
- Ministry and WHO announce Seoul Declaration on AI Healthcare
- Medical staff oversight and final human judgment guaranteed
- Equitable sharing of AI benefits and safety stressed
The Ministry of Health and Welfare and the World Health Organization (WHO) have issued the Seoul Declaration on AI Healthcare, which sets out principles for using medical AI. According to HIT News, the two sides announced the declaration while co-hosting the 2026 World Bio Summit at COEX Magok Convention Center in Seoul from the 21st to the 22nd.
The core is the role of people and verification. Uihak Shinmun (의학신문) reported that the declaration guarantees oversight by medical staff and final human judgment, and is an international set of joint principles for spreading AI technologies whose clinical effectiveness and safety have been verified. Cheongnyeon Uisa (청년의사) wrote that the Korean government and WHO presented joint principles for healthcare innovation using AI, safety assurance and international cooperation.
The aim is to narrow gaps. Chosun Biz reported that, as AI-driven drug discovery, diagnosis and treatment innovation accelerates, the purpose is to reduce healthcare gaps caused by technological progress and set principles for safe use. Cheongnyeon Uisa reported that the purpose is to spread the benefits of AI innovation equitably around the world, and HIT News wrote that it is international cooperation for equitable access and responsible use.
Leader-level talks were also held. Digital Daily reported that President Lee Jae-myung will meet the head of WHO to discuss AI medical innovation and ways to expand international health cooperation. The plan is to introduce Korea's AI primary care strategy and cooperate with WHO on related technology and workforce training.