ICMR releases the country's first ethical guidelines for application of AI in biomedical research and healthcare - abtlive

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has released the country's first Ethical Guidelines for Application of Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Research and Healthcare, aimed at creating "an ethics framework which can assist in the development, deployment, and adoption of AI-based solutions" in the fields specified. Through this, they hope to make "AI-assisted platforms available for the benefit of largest section of common people with safety and highest precision possible," while also addressing emerging ethical challenges when it comes to AI in biomedical research and healthcare delivery. The document, prepared by the Department of Health Research and ICMR Artificial Intelligence Cell, Delhi, will be updated as and when the need arises, said a senior Health Ministry official. Developed through extensive discussions with experts and ethicists, the guidelines include sections on ethical principles, guiding principles for stakeholders, an ethics review process, governance of AI use, and informed consent. "It [the document] is intended for all stakeholders involved in research on AI in biomedical research and healthcare, including creators, developers, researchers, clinicians, ethics committees, institutions, sponsors, and funding organizations,'' noted Dr. Rajiv Bahl, director-general, ICMR.