AI Usage in Healthcare: Urgent Call for Guidelines

AI Usage in Healthcare: Urgent Call for Guidelines

On March 28, 2025, Rabbi Yossi Erblich, founder of the LeMa’anchem organization, expressed serious concerns regarding the unregulated use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the medical field. His worries come in the wake of several troubling medical errors attributed to the use of these technologies, prompting him to write an urgent letter to Health Minister Uriel Busso.

Erblich highlighted the risks posed by uncontrolled AI use, stating that it could endanger patients’ lives. He noted that various cases reported to LeMa’anchem involved serious errors, including incorrect medication dosages and erroneous medical opinions that potentially led to life-threatening situations.

In his letter, Erblich noted that numerous studies indicate that AI-generated results can be inconsistent. ‘In some cases, different answers are given for the same medical situation,’ he cautioned. ‘While errors in some fields may be harmless, medical mistakes can cost lives.’

The letter was not only directed at Minister Busso but also to key health officials, including Health Ministry Director-General Moshe Bar Siman Tov and Prof. Zion Hagay from the Israel Medical Association.

Considering the current burden on healthcare professionals, Erblich warned that some may resort to AI for quick solutions, despite its limitations. He emphasized that ‘Artificial intelligence is not yet ready to provide reliable medical solutions.’

Call for Comprehensive Guidelines

In light of these alarming concerns, Erblich urged the Health Ministry to work alongside Israeli medical schools and the Israel Medical Association to develop clear ethical guidelines for AI use in healthcare. He proposed the establishment of oversight mechanisms along with sanctions for any misuse that could endanger human life.

‘We must ensure that artificial intelligence serves the public in a safe and effective manner, and not, God forbid, the opposite,’ Erblich stated, underscoring the urgency of the matter.

His plea was co-signed by notable figures such as Prof. Yosef Press, former director of Schneider Children’s Medical Center, and Dr. Gadi Neuman, deputy director of Beilinson Hospital.

LeMa’anchem continues its mission as an Israeli nonprofit, providing medical counseling and guidance as patients navigate complex healthcare scenarios.