The Norwegian government has announced plans to create a national artificial intelligence (AI) service to provide citizens with health advice through the country’s public health platform.
Jan Christian Vestre, Minister of Health and Care Services, disclosed this in a press statement.
He said the Ministry of Health and Care Services has tasked the Directorate of Health with assessing the establishment of the new service, which will be based on generative AI technology.
“The goal is to offer quality-assured and safe digital health advice to everyone, and ensure that Norwegian recommendations and legislation form the basis for the AI service,” he said.
The government noted that Norwegians, particularly young people, are increasingly turning to AI tools for health information. Official data shows that seven out of ten people aged 16 to 24 have used AI in the past three months.
Vestre emphasised the importance of a national service that could act as a “digital health advisor, available 24 hours a day,” while stressing it would not replace doctor visits or emergency care.
The service is expected to be integrated into Helsenorge, Norway’s official website for health information and access to services.
The government said safety and privacy would be prioritised, with the Directorate of Health examining legal and ethical considerations.
It added that the service would be developed in stages under the country’s health digitalisation strategy, with a focus on testing, learning, and collaboration with medical staff and users.
(NAN)