On September 18, 2025, the Jaffna Medical Association’s Annual Congress featured a highly engaging and thought-provoking debate on the theme “AI in Medicine: Treat or Threat to Humanity.” The session, marked by both intellectual rigor and lively exchanges, received high praise from all attendees.
The debate panel brought together a distinguished group of academics and faculty members: Dr. K. Guruparan, Dr. Brammah RT, Dr. B. Balagobi, Dr. Ramya Kumar, and Dr. J. Nalayini. Each panelist presented well-considered perspectives, capturing the dual promise and challenges of artificial intelligence in healthcare.
Representing the “Treat” perspective, panelists highlighted the transformative potential of AI to revolutionize medicine. They emphasized AI’s ability to analyze vast datasets with speed and precision, enhance diagnostic accuracy, personalize treatment plans, and accelerate drug discovery. The discussion underscored how AI could reduce human error and ease the workload of medical professionals, ultimately leading to more efficient and effective patient care.
On the other hand, the “Threat” perspective raised critical ethical and practical concerns. Panelists addressed issues such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the possible erosion of the patient-doctor relationship. They also questioned accountability in AI-driven decisions and warned against over-reliance on technology, which could diminish the clinical reasoning skills essential for future physicians.
The debate was not intended to produce a definitive winner but rather to inspire thoughtful reflection and dialogue. By presenting diverse viewpoints, the event enriched participants’ understanding of both the vast opportunities and the significant risks AI poses in the medical field.
The session was widely regarded as one of the highlights of the congress, successfully sparking meaningful discussion on the future of healthcare in an era increasingly shaped by technology.
