AI in white coats: neural networks transforming Russian healthcare discussed at the National Centre RUSSIA

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In recent years, artificial intelligence has evolved from a futuristic concept into a practical tool for healthcare professionals. It assists them in choosing treatment options, analysing scans, and maintaining medical records. But how deeply can these technologies be integrated into clinical practice, and what prevents their widespread adoption? These and other questions were discussed by the participants of the session "Artificial Intelligence in Real Practice" held as part of the 4th National Congress "National Healthcare — 2025" at the National Centre RUSSIA.

The session focused on a practical approach to implementing innovations. As Deputy Minister of Health of the Russian Federation Vadim Vankov noted, the key criterion is how useful a technology is in a doctor’s everyday work.

"When introducing technologies, we try to view them through the prism of needs. If a technology does not help a doctor in their work, fails to solve specific tasks, or carries legal risks, then the question arises of whether it can truly become part of our real practice," said Vadim Vankov.

He also highlighted three key areas of work for further integration of AI into the daily professional life of medical workers.

"Specific use and implementation in the regions, training doctors in digital skills, and monitoring efficiency and safety, including information security — these are the areas we are focusing our efforts on, and these are the directions in which we intend to move forward," concluded Vadim Vankov.

Director General of "Third Opinion Platform" Anna Meshcheryakova emphasised that, alongside reducing routine workload and freeing up doctors’ time, the main criteria for choosing medical neural networks include increasing intangible motivation. She added that a new trend ensuring access to multiple medical AI systems and other capabilities is the emergence of platform-based solutions.

"In my view, to truly believe in the effectiveness of such a solution, it is essential to test it personally. We provide this opportunity — doctors can explore, test, compare, and get first-hand experience with technologies, educational courses, and other tools," she invited.

The use of foreign language models by doctors for processing medical data presents a serious challenge for data security, said Managing Director of Sberbank’s Health Industry Centre Sergei Zhdanov. He named three key conditions for protecting against this threat.

"We must accept that language models are the future, that this future has already arrived, and that we need to unite around it," stated Sergei Zhdanov.

Minister of Health of the Voronezh region Igor Banin shared practical experience of implementing AI technologies in the region. The session also featured Director of the Institute for Health Economics, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Larisa Popovich, and Business Development Director of Webiomed, Alexander Gusev.

The 4th Congress "National Healthcare" was held at the National Centre RUSSIA on 22–23 October. The organisers of the event are the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation and the Roscongress Foundation. The organisational partner is the Russian Research Institute of Health (RIH) of the Ministry of Health of Russia.

The Congress serves as a key platform for healthcare management professionals, representatives of the legislative and executive authorities at the federal and regional levels, and leading medical product manufacturers. It discussed the implementation of national and federal healthcare projects, best regional practices, modernisation of medical care, improvement of financial sustainability, and other topics.