Artificial intelligence is developing at breakneck speed, leaving governments around the world scrambling to respond. For a high-risk area like health care, safe, responsible use will be critical. But pressures on health systems mean governments can ill afford to delay adoption. So what's the right balance? And how can we ensure AI tools work in real-life health care settings and minimise unintended consequences?

Following the 10-Year Health Plan, the government has established a National Commission into the Regulation of AI in Healthcare to explore these questions and make recommendations for how regulations need to adapt.

To discuss, our Chief Executive Jennifer Dixon is joined by:

• Ricardo Baptista Leite, CEO of Health AI, a Geneva-based nonprofit that promotes equitable access to AI-powered health innovations.
• Alastair Denniston, Professor of Regulatory Science and Innovation at the University of Birmingham.

The National Commission into the Regulation of AI in Healthcare is established to advise the MHRA. It is co-chaired by Alastair Denniston. Ricardo Baptista Leite and Jennifer Dixon are members. Its final report is expected later in 2026.

Show notes

UK government. National AI Commission into the Regulation of AI in Healthcare.

Health Foundation (2025). AI in healthcare – staying ahead of the issues.

Health AI (2026). AI governance in health – Global landscape 2025 report.

Health Foundation (2026). AI in healthcare must earn the public’s confidence.

JAMA (2025). AI, Health, and Health Care Today and Tomorrow: the JAMA Summit Report on Artificial Intelligence.