Cypriot health authorities warn patients on the use of AI for medical diagnosis

On August 18, 2026, the Cyprus Federation of Patients' Associations (OSAK) and the Cyprus Medical Association (PIS) issued a cautionary statement regarding the growing role of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Miltos Miltiadous, President of OSAK, and Petros Agathangelou, President of PIS, addressed the potential risks associated with patients using AI-driven digital tools for diagnosing and managing medical conditions.

While officials report that no official complaints or reports have been filed by patients concerning AI misuse in Cyprus, they emphasized that patients frequently rely on online resources and AI applications to research symptoms. Miltiadous highlighted that such technologies should be treated with the same caution as general internet searches. The primary concern is the potential for misinformation, which could lead to improper self-diagnosis or mismanagement of health issues.

To ensure safety, authorities stress that the Personal Doctor remains the most reliable source for medical guidance and symptom evaluation. Within the framework of the General Healthcare System (GeSY), patients are encouraged to consult professionals directly rather than relying on automated diagnostic tools for their health concerns.