‘Many people no longer search online for information about their symptoms; they ask AI. We cannot prevent this, nor should we try. We must make reliable health information available through the channels people use. We therefore want to establish a public AI service – a question-and-answer service for health-related enquiries – that provides residents with reliable, quality-assured answers tailored to the Norwegian healthcare system,’ said Minister of Health and Care Services Jan Christian Vestre.

Clear need

In a recent survey by the Norwegian Directorate of Health on people’s use of commercial AI solutions, six in ten respondents said that privacy and quality-assured content were important to them. An international study (bmj.com) published last year found that one in five users of the major global AI large language models received ‘highly problematic’ answers to health-related questions.

‘A modern healthcare system must keep pace with technological developments. The fact that one in three Norwegians uses international AI services each week to ask health-related questions clearly demonstrates the need for a digital frontline service. If the public sector does not maintain a presence in people’s digital lives, we will be leaving health guidance to major international companies. That is not a choice I am willing to make,’ said Vestre.

The proposed allocation of NOK 20 million forms part of the government’s proposed NOK 120 million AI initiative. The initiative includes measures involving the Ministry of Health and Care Services, the Ministry of Digitalisation and Public Governance, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Energy. Work to promote responsible and ethical AI development also forms part of the government’s plan for Norway.

Work is under way

The government has already tasked the Norwegian Directorate of Health with laying the groundwork for a national AI service in the healthcare sector. The service will consist of a chatbot that provides residents with interactive, quality-assured answers and advice on symptoms, medical conditions and health concerns.

The government has decided that the service will be established in 2027. The Norwegian Directorate of Health has been asked to work with Norsk helsenett SF (the national provider within e-health) and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. The Norwegian Medical Products Agency will also be involved.

Initially, users will not be required to log in or use any other form of authentication. However, requiring authentication remains a longer-term objective.

‘Authorities in several countries are testing the use of artificial intelligence to provide residents with better, more tailored services. This field is developing rapidly around the world, and many countries are beginning to learn how such services can be developed and introduced safely and responsibly. In developing the service, we would also like to work with reputable private-sector providers that offer secure solutions already available on the market,’ said Vestre.