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Hyderabad, July 2, 2024 — The increasing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) for self-diagnosis and prescription poses significant risks to human life, warn healthcare professionals. On Doctors’ Day, medical experts voiced their concerns about the growing trend of patients turning to Internet search results, even for serious ailments.
While the Internet provides numerous benefits, it also introduces substantial risks, especially with the advent of AI and machine learning (ML). These technologies have become integral to everyday life, but their misuse in healthcare can have dire consequences, doctors say.
The Internet has become a primary source of health information, fueling a rise in unsupervised self-medication practices. AI has added a new dimension to this trend, exacerbating the risks to human health. Engaging in such unchecked behavior can result in fatal consequences if incorrect medications are consumed due to misjudgment.
Potential Dangers of Self-Medication
Healthcare professionals highlight several potential dangers of self-medication, including inaccurate self-diagnosis and misuse of medications, leading to hazardous drug interactions or incorrect dosages. AI works based on data input, and in healthcare, data accuracy is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Non-healthcare practitioners often lack the expertise to provide precise data, leading to errors.
Dr. Gayatri Kamineni, COO of Kamineni Hospitals, explained that AI and the Internet are predominantly developed by Western countries, particularly the US. The health information available on these platforms may not always be suitable for people in other regions, such as India, due to differences in geography and demography. Incorrect dosages can result in disastrous outcomes, including fatalities.
“The Internet and AI should be seen as support tools, not as a replacement for professional medical judgment,” Dr. Kamineni emphasized.
Risks of Incorrect Medication
Dr. B Kishore Reddy, Chief Ortho Oncologist and Managing Director of Amor Hospital, pointed out that self-medication without consulting a doctor can lead to choosing the wrong drug, incorrect dosages, and prolonged usage of medications. Prolonged use of a substance can cause dependency, and self-medication might mask symptoms of an underlying condition, leading to worsening health.
“Misusing or overusing medication increases the risk of severe medical complications, including nausea, convulsions, and even death,” Dr. Reddy warned.
The Role of AI in Healthcare
Dr. C. Mallikarjuna, Chief Urologist and Managing Director of the Asian Institute of Nephrology & Urology (AINU), acknowledged that AI and ML have significantly eased the lives of healthcare practitioners by providing access to advanced treatment protocols and reducing the risk of errors in a hospital setting. However, he stressed that this advancement is controlled and monitored by experts with decades of experience.
“It is the combination of experience, expertise, and the Internet that delivers the best outcomes for patients. Relying solely on the Internet, without professional guidance, is not advisable,” Dr. Mallikarjuna observed.
As AI continues to integrate into various aspects of life, healthcare professionals urge the public to use these technologies responsibly and always seek professional medical advice for serious health issues.
