Why in the news?

  • India Joins Health AI Global Regulatory Network for strengthening oversight of AI in Healthcare sector.

HealthAI Global Regulatory Network (GRN)

  • What is it?: The HealthAI Global Regulatory Network (GRN) is an international coalition of health regulators created to ensure that Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies used in healthcare are safe, effective, ethical, and equitable.
  • Objectives:
    • Global Standards: Develop and harmonize regulatory frameworks for AI in health.
    • Safety & Trust: Build systems that guarantee reliability, patient safety, and ethical use.
    • Collaboration: Enable cooperation among countries for shared learning.
    • Risk Management: Establish early warning systems for emerging risks in AI health tools.
    • Transparency: Create a global directory of registered AI health tools for easy reference.
  • Functions:
    • Knowledge Sharing: Exchange regulatory practices and innovations across pioneer countries.
    • Capacity Building: Support low- and middle-income countries in developing their regulatory expertise.
    • Monitoring: Track deployment of AI in clinical use and flag potential harms.
    • Interdisciplinary Engagement: Connect health professionals, technologists, and regulators for holistic oversight.
  • Membership:
    • Initially about 10 pioneer countries including India were members.
    • Open to collaboration with global health institutions, AI research hubs, and regulatory bodies.
  • India’s Role:
    • Nodal Agencies:
      • ICMR – National Institute for Research in Digital Health & Data Science (NIRDHDS)
      • IndiaAI (National AI Mission)
    • Focus: Promote responsible AI in India’s diverse healthcare ecosystem, ensuring digital innovation while protecting patients.
    • Enhances India’s image as a global leader in digital health governance.
  • Significance:
    • For Global Health: Promotes equitable and safe adoption of AI worldwide.
    • For India:
      • Strengthens India’s AI governance framework.
      • Provides access to global best practices and standards.
      • Supports India’s goal of becoming a hub for AI-driven healthcare innovation.