The prospect, legal, and medical issues in integrating AI in medical practice in Uganda

It is not that the 21st century has witnessed a surge and development of digital technology within the global terrain. This digital technology has further taken a new dimension such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) which has aided in enhancing and transforming virtually all sectors. However, it suffices to state that AI has further led to the transformation of healthcare within the global terrain. This is concerning the fact that incorporating AI in medical practice such as telemedicine and the metaverse concept has enabled healthcare providers to render healthcare services in remote areas, training and sensitization of medical personnel and the public on healthcare issues. However, despite this potential of incorporating AI in medical practice, there seem to be legal and medical issues developing countries like Uganda may encounter. Hence, the need for this study to examine the prospect, legal, and medical issues concerning the integration of AI into medical practice in Uganda. Concerning this, the study adopts a doctrinal method of study, the data obtained from the primary and secondary sources were analysed through analytical and descriptive approaches. The study found that incorporating AI in the healthcare system in Uganda will provide several benefits. However, there are legal and medical issues in integrating the AI healthcare system of Uganda, these include regulatory ambiguities, data privacy and confidentiality of patient, the challenges patients consenting to virtual medical care, medical errors that may ensue through AI medical care, and several others. The study, therefore, concludes and recommends that AI provides significant transformative and innovative solutions to the Uganda healthcare delivery system. However, to effectively utilize the opportunities provided by AI there is a need to ensure effective regulatory compliance and engagement of the various stakeholders in initiating a proper medical and ethical practice and guide on how best to utilize AI in healthcare delivery in Uganda.