Islamic Organization Conference advocates ethical use of AI in healthcare

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KUWAIT CITY, Feb 3: The 16th Conference of the Islamic Organization for Medical Sciences concluded with recommendations focused on the ethical and responsible utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of medicine. Themed “Artificial Intelligence: Boosting Health and Achieving the Goals of Islamic Shariaa,” the conference addressed the pivotal role of AI in public health, preventive medicine, and the overarching impact on health policies.

Dr. Mohammad Al-Jarallah, the chairperson of the organization, highlighted the conference’s emphasis on forming committees consisting of professionals from medicine, Sharia, high-tech industries, and patients’ representatives. These committees are proposed to set criteria for the ethical and effective application of artificial intelligence in the medical field.

In a press release, Dr. Al-Jarallah underscored the conference’s key recommendations. It was suggested that fundamental therapeutic decisions should remain within the purview of humans rather than relying solely on AI. Additionally, AI programs should conform to Sharia, medical, and social norms, and they should be prohibited from altering genes. The conference stressed the importance of establishing agreements with local and international institutions to support digital transformation. It recommended creating official authorities to exclusively represent the State in matters related to IT, data, statistics, and digital transformation.

Furthermore, the conference called for in-depth research and studies, examination of best practices and methods in digital transformation, and staying updated on the latest innovations and conventions in the AI realm. The overarching goal of AI implementation, according to the recommendations, should be to serve the interests of humanity, respect religious beliefs, uphold human dignity, and adhere to Islamic and humanitarian values. The recommendations also highlighted the importance of achieving justice, avoiding harm, and ensuring human control over machines.

Dr. Al-Jarallah acknowledged that the emergence of AI represents a new phase, particularly in the realm of “digital health.” He emphasized that human technologies, including AI, cannot be compared to the divine creation of Almighty God. The conference, which received Amiri sponsorship, delved into the central role of public health, preventive medicine, the enhancement of health policies, rational governance, and the ethical implications of AI in alignment with Sharia objectives.

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