Accra: The Ghana Association of Radiologists (GAR) has issued a stark warning regarding the use of independent Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems for radiology reporting without proper oversight. Such practices, the GAR emphasized, will not be legally recognized as clinical practice within Ghana.
According to Ghana News Agency, the responsibility for interpreting and reporting radiological images rests with appropriately trained and licensed medical practitioners. The GAR has advised all diagnostic facilities currently employing AI systems without oversight to cease these practices immediately or face potential legal and regulatory consequences.
The warning was part of a communiqu© signed by ACP Dr. Francis Ofei, President of GAR, and Dr. Cathy Gyamfua A. Larbi, Secretary of GAR. It was released at the conclusion of the Association's 14th Annual General and Scientific Meeting. This year's meeting focused on the theme: 'From Kidneys to Urethra: Imaging the Genitourinary Tract in the Era of Multidisciplinary Care.'
The GAR emphasized the importance of maintaining patient safety, confidentiality, professional accountability, and regulatory compliance in healthcare practices. It called on sector authorities to enhance oversight and enforcement mechanisms within radiology and diagnostic imaging.
The conference underscored the vital role of radiology and medical imaging in modern healthcare, highlighting the specialized training of radiologists in interpreting medical images across various modalities. A strong endorsement was made for structured multidisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals in managing genitourinary diseases.
Participants advocated for the creation of formal multidisciplinary team meetings at tertiary institutions and the development of Ghana-specific imaging and clinical protocols. The conference also highlighted the environmental health risks posed by illegal mining activities, which have led to the contamination of major water bodies with toxic substances, potentially impacting kidney health and public health in Ghana.
The GAR urged the government and stakeholders to intensify efforts to curb illegal mining and protect the nation's water resources. Additionally, it called for support from state institutions and private organizations to facilitate local scientific research on kidney disease. The public was encouraged to engage in regular medical check-ups and health screenings.