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Alsharq Tribune-AFP
The Norwegian government on Thursday announced plans to establish a national artificial intelligence (AI) service to provide citizens with health advice through the country's public health platform.
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 ministry said in a press release.
"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," said Minister of Health and Care Services Jan Christian Vestre.
The government noted that Norwegians, especially young people, are increasingly turning to AI tools for health information. According to official figures, seven out of ten people aged 16-24 have used AI in the past three months.
Vestre stressed the importance of a national service that can serve as a "digital health advisor, available 24 hours a day," while not replacing visits to doctors or emergency services.
The AI service is expected to be integrated into Helsenorge, the official website for health information and access to services. The government said safety and privacy would be prioritized, with the Directorate of Health commissioned to examine legal and ethical aspects.
The service will be developed in stages under Norway's health digitalization strategy, with a focus on testing, learning and cooperation with medical staff and users.
