In an alarming episode, Dr Uma Kumar, Head of the Rheumatology Department at AIIMS New Delhi, issued a critical warning regarding the dangers of using AI chatbots like ChatGPT for medical self-diagnosis, while interacting with the media.
The warning was triggered by a recent case where a patient suffered severe internal bleeding after self-treating back pain with medication suggested by an AI tool. The patient consumed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) based on the chatbot’s output, without professional consultation or necessary investigations.
Medical professionals at the premier institute emphasized that AI cannot replace the “diagnosis by exclusion” method used by clinicians, especially as digital self-medication trends rise globally.
Instant Medical Answers
The convenience of artificial intelligence has led many to treat chatbots as virtual physicians. In the case highlighted by AIIMS, the patient turned to ChatGPT to manage persistent back pain, seeking a quick fix rather than a clinical appointment.
The AI tool suggested common painkillers, which the patient then purchased and consumed independently. However, the algorithm lacked the ability to assess the patient’s specific medical history or the potential for gastric complications.
This incident underscores a growing public health challenge where the ease of digital access is overriding the essential safety protocols that govern the prescription of even common over the counter drugs.
Clinical Logic vs Digital Algorithms
Dr Uma Kumar explained that medical science relies on a rigorous process called “diagnosis by exclusion,” where doctors rule out various conditions through physical exams and lab tests. “All ailments are diagnosed by exclusion, and we advise medicines according to the investigation,” Dr Kumar stated.
An AI model simply processes vast amounts of data to find patterns but cannot “feel” a patient’s pulse or interpret the nuance of their pain. For the patient at AIIMS, the missing link was a proper investigation that would have flagged the high risk of internal bleeding, a detail the chatbot was never equipped to identify or verify.
AI Hallucinations
Medical experts are increasingly concerned about “AI hallucinations,” where chatbots provide confidently worded but factually incorrect medical advice. While ChatGPT and similar platforms often include disclaimers stating they are not medical professionals, the authoritative tone of their responses can be misleading to a person in pain.
In the AIIMS case, the suggestion to take NSAIDs for back pain was technically a common recommendation, but for this specific individual, it proved nearly fatal.
Without a doctor to check for contraindications or underlying vulnerabilities, a standard suggestion from an AI can become a dangerous prescription for disaster, leading to complications like organ damage or haemorrhaging.
Stricter Regulation
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the responsibility of tech companies and the need for public health literacy. AIIMS doctors are urging citizens to treat the internet as a source of general information rather than a treatment plan.
Officials suggested that while AI can assist in administrative medical tasks or data research, it should never be used for “self-diagnosis or self-treatment.”
There is a pressing need for the government to regulate how medical queries are handled by AI platforms to prevent similar health crises. Healthcare providers are now focusing on educating patients about the importance of professional oversight before starting any new pharmacological regimen.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that while technology is a bridge to the future, it should never be a shortcut to healthcare. The human body is far too complex to be managed by an algorithm that lacks empathy, clinical intuition, and the ability to conduct physical investigations.
We advocate for a mindset where we value our lives enough to seek professional guidance rather than instant digital gratification. A machine does not understand the sanctity of your health; a doctor does. True progress lies in using AI to empower doctors, not to replace them.
