Global Forum
Speakers
Day 2
International Tobacco Control Legal and Policy Approaches
Benn McGrady
World Health Organization(WHO)
World Health Organization(WHO)
Biography
Benn McGrady leads the Public Health Law and Policies Unit in the Health Promotion Department at WHO Headquarters.
Trained as a lawyer in Australia and the United States of America, Benn overseas the provision of technical assistance to WHO Member States on health law issues, with a focus on tobacco, alcohol and unhealthy diets.
Trained as a lawyer in Australia and the United States of America, Benn overseas the provision of technical assistance to WHO Member States on health law issues, with a focus on tobacco, alcohol and unhealthy diets.
Abstract
This presentation provides an overview of international norms governing tobacco control, with a focus on the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the role of litigation in global tobacco control and global trends in prevalence of use.
Tobacco and Lung Cancer: Epidemiology and Evidence
Neil Schluger
Dean, School of Medicine, New York Medical College
Dean, School of Medicine, New York Medical College
Biography
2023 - Present : Dean, New York Medical College School of Medicine
2020 - 2023 : William Rosenthal Professor of Medicine and Chairman, Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, NY, USA
1998 - 2020 : Chief, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, USA; Professor of Medicine, Epidemiology, and Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University
1992 - 1998 : Assistant Professor of Medicine, New York University
1985 : M.D. University of Pennsylvania
1981 : B.S. Harvard University
2020 - 2023 : William Rosenthal Professor of Medicine and Chairman, Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, NY, USA
1998 - 2020 : Chief, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, USA; Professor of Medicine, Epidemiology, and Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University
1992 - 1998 : Assistant Professor of Medicine, New York University
1985 : M.D. University of Pennsylvania
1981 : B.S. Harvard University
Abstract
Lung Cancer is currently the leading cause of cancer cases and cancer deaths in the world. Two landmark scientific papers, both published in 1950 (one from the U.K. and one from the U.S.) raised concerns that there was a direct causal link between cigarette smoking and lung cancer.
A series of epidemiologic studies then began to establish a solid evidentiary basis for the link between smoking and cancer, and in 1964 the Surgeon General of the United States issued a report, Smoking and Health, which was the first major statement from a leading public health official warning of the health dangers of smoking.
Since that time, the evidence base establishing the relationship between smoking and lung cancer has continued to grow, and it is undeniable that the causal relationship between cigarette smoking and lung cancer is strong and of great magnitude.
Lifelong smokers give up on average over 10 years of life, and smoking is by far the world’s greatest risk factor for the development of lung cancer.
Factors such as ambient and household air pollution also contribute to lung cancer risk, but smoking remains the most important, and most preventable, cause of lung cancer in the world.
Governments around the world have taken aggressive measures to curb the tobacco industry, and legal strategies in the U.S. have forced tobacco companies to pay hundreds of billions of dollars in fines.
Stores where cigarettes are sold must have large, graphic, and easily understood messages regarding the dangers of tobacco use.
Public education regarding the dangers of tobacco use are critical.
A series of epidemiologic studies then began to establish a solid evidentiary basis for the link between smoking and cancer, and in 1964 the Surgeon General of the United States issued a report, Smoking and Health, which was the first major statement from a leading public health official warning of the health dangers of smoking.
Since that time, the evidence base establishing the relationship between smoking and lung cancer has continued to grow, and it is undeniable that the causal relationship between cigarette smoking and lung cancer is strong and of great magnitude.
Lifelong smokers give up on average over 10 years of life, and smoking is by far the world’s greatest risk factor for the development of lung cancer.
Factors such as ambient and household air pollution also contribute to lung cancer risk, but smoking remains the most important, and most preventable, cause of lung cancer in the world.
Governments around the world have taken aggressive measures to curb the tobacco industry, and legal strategies in the U.S. have forced tobacco companies to pay hundreds of billions of dollars in fines.
Stores where cigarettes are sold must have large, graphic, and easily understood messages regarding the dangers of tobacco use.
Public education regarding the dangers of tobacco use are critical.
A Critical Review of the Rulings by the Courts of South Korea in Tobacco Litigation
Jong-Sun, Choi
Partner, DR & AJU CCA, LLC.
Partner, DR & AJU CCA, LLC.
Biography
2024 : Vice President, Korean Intellectual Property Lawyers Association
2021 : Arbitrator, Korean Commercial Arbitration Board
2019 : Attorney, DR & AJU Law Offices (Limited Liability)
2018 : Senior Judge, Daegu District Court
2012 : Judge, Patent Court
2011 : Judge, Suwon District Court
2008 : Judge, Daegu District Court, Western Branch
2005 : Judge, Busan District Court, Family Division
2003 : Judge, Seoul District Court
2001 : Completed 30th Judicial Research and Training Institute Course
2021 : Arbitrator, Korean Commercial Arbitration Board
2019 : Attorney, DR & AJU Law Offices (Limited Liability)
2018 : Senior Judge, Daegu District Court
2012 : Judge, Patent Court
2011 : Judge, Suwon District Court
2008 : Judge, Daegu District Court, Western Branch
2005 : Judge, Busan District Court, Family Division
2003 : Judge, Seoul District Court
2001 : Completed 30th Judicial Research and Training Institute Course
Abstract
On April 14, 2014, the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) filed a lawsuit (Case No. 2014Gahap525054) with the Seoul Central District Court against KT&G, Philip Morris, and
British American Tobacco Korea. The NHIS sought damages for medical expenses incurred in treating lung and laryngeal cancer allegedly caused by cigarettes manufactured and sold by these companies.
On November 20, 2020, the Seoul Central District Court dismissed the NHIS’s claims. The court found insufficient evidence to conclude that the cigarettes in question had design defects, labeling defects, or failed to meet ordinary safety standards. Furthermore, the court held that a causal relationship between smoking and the development of lung cancer in the specific victims could not be established. This decision aligns with the Supreme Court’s earlier judgment on April 10, 2014 (Case No. 2011Da22092).
This presentation critically examines the court’s reasoning in this tobacco litigation, focusing on three key issues: The Application of Excessively Strict Standards: The court applied overly rigorous criteria for recognizing liability for damages, arguably without reasonable justification.
Undue Burden of Proof on the Plaintiff: The court imposed an unreasonable burden of proof on the plaintiff, making it nearly impossible for the NHIS to succeed. Insufficient Justification for Rejecting Plaintiff’s Arguments and Evidence: The court failed to provide convincing reasons for dismissing the plaintiff’s arguments and the substantial evidence presented.
On November 20, 2020, the Seoul Central District Court dismissed the NHIS’s claims. The court found insufficient evidence to conclude that the cigarettes in question had design defects, labeling defects, or failed to meet ordinary safety standards. Furthermore, the court held that a causal relationship between smoking and the development of lung cancer in the specific victims could not be established. This decision aligns with the Supreme Court’s earlier judgment on April 10, 2014 (Case No. 2011Da22092).
This presentation critically examines the court’s reasoning in this tobacco litigation, focusing on three key issues: The Application of Excessively Strict Standards: The court applied overly rigorous criteria for recognizing liability for damages, arguably without reasonable justification.
Undue Burden of Proof on the Plaintiff: The court imposed an unreasonable burden of proof on the plaintiff, making it nearly impossible for the NHIS to succeed. Insufficient Justification for Rejecting Plaintiff’s Arguments and Evidence: The court failed to provide convincing reasons for dismissing the plaintiff’s arguments and the substantial evidence presented.
Holding the Tobacco Industry Accountable: Lessons from Canada’s Landmark Class Action
Philippe Trudel
Partner, Trudel Johnston & Lespérance
Partner, Trudel Johnston & Lespérance
Biography
Philippe Trudel is a partner at Trudel Johnston & Lespérance, a leading Canadian law firm specializing in class actions and public interest law.
He has extensive experience in high-profile cases, particularly in the areas of consumer protection, human rights, and corporate accountability.
Philippe is known for his strategic approach to litigation and his commitment to social justice.
He is also involved in legal education and frequently speaks at conferences and seminars on class action law and public interest litigation.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Laval University and a Law degree from the University of Montreal.
Together with his partners Bruce Johnston and André Lespérance, he has been leading the litigation pursued by the Quebec Council on Tobacco and Health against Canadian cigarette manufacturers for 27 years.
He has extensive experience in high-profile cases, particularly in the areas of consumer protection, human rights, and corporate accountability.
Philippe is known for his strategic approach to litigation and his commitment to social justice.
He is also involved in legal education and frequently speaks at conferences and seminars on class action law and public interest litigation.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Laval University and a Law degree from the University of Montreal.
Together with his partners Bruce Johnston and André Lespérance, he has been leading the litigation pursued by the Quebec Council on Tobacco and Health against Canadian cigarette manufacturers for 27 years.
Abstract
The presentation outlines Canada’s landmark class action against Canadian tobacco companies, focusing on two major Quebec cases: the Létourneau and CQTS/Blais class actions.
These cases held tobacco companies accountable for addiction and tobacco-related diseases, exposing decades of industry deceit. Despite a highly adversarial and complex legal battle, the plaintiffs ultimately prevailed.
The Superior Court of Québec awarded over Cdn $ 13,5 B, a ruling confirmed by a bench of 5 judges of the Court of Appeal.
The Tobacco Cies then requested protection from its creditors and a plan of compromise resulted in an undertaking to pay Cdn $ 32,5 B.
The outcome set a global precedent in public health litigation, demonstrating the effectiveness of class actions and legislation aimed at holding powerful industries accountable.
These cases held tobacco companies accountable for addiction and tobacco-related diseases, exposing decades of industry deceit. Despite a highly adversarial and complex legal battle, the plaintiffs ultimately prevailed.
The Superior Court of Québec awarded over Cdn $ 13,5 B, a ruling confirmed by a bench of 5 judges of the Court of Appeal.
The Tobacco Cies then requested protection from its creditors and a plan of compromise resulted in an undertaking to pay Cdn $ 32,5 B.
The outcome set a global precedent in public health litigation, demonstrating the effectiveness of class actions and legislation aimed at holding powerful industries accountable.
Science on Trial: The Role of Scientific Evidence in Korean Tobacco Lawsuits
Doo-Gab, Yi
Professor of Department of Science Studies, Seoul National University
Professor of Department of Science Studies, Seoul National University
Biography
Present : Professor, Department of Science, Seoul National University
2019 – 2020 : Fellow, Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Harvard University
2008 – 2011 : Researcher, National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA
2008 : Ph.D., Princeton University
2019 – 2020 : Fellow, Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Harvard University
2008 – 2011 : Researcher, National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA
2008 : Ph.D., Princeton University
Abstract
In the 2000s, inspired by a successful wave of American tobacco litigations in the 1990s, anti-smoking activists filed a civil lawsuit against KT&G Corporation, a state-sanctioned monopoly for tobacco and ginseng products.
My talk examines the role of scientific evidence in Korean tobacco litigation by looking at the trans-Pacific circulation of biomedical knowledge and legal strategies.
It focuses on the question of addiction, individual choice, and legal responsibility in Korean tobacco litigation, analyzing how the neuroscience of addiction was mobilized for the co-construction of medical knowledge and legal responsibility.
The Korean plaintiffs claimed that the neuroscience of addiction - the biological and psychological process of mood alterations, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms - pointed to the loss of control in nicotine use, placing the burden of responsibility squarely on the tobacco industry.
The Korean tobacco industry, however, underscored that nicotine did not cause intoxication that would hamper smokers' ability to act rationally with respect to risks associated with cigarettes.
The Korean tobacco industry thus mobilized the multinational tobacco industry's construction of the notion of quitting that stigmatized smokers as weak, irrational, and addictive individuals.
Multinational tobacco companies understood the limitations of how scientific evidence is used in court and sought to undermine the credibility of evidence pointing to the health risks and addictive potential of smoking by employing expert testimony and conducting or supporting various studies that could foster doubt about those risks.
I show how the South Korean court failed to recognize how multinational tobacco companies deliberately manufactured doubt as a legal strategy, ultimately absolving the domestic tobacco industry of responsibility and reinforcing the stigmatization of smokers as solely accountable for the risks they assumed.
My talk examines the role of scientific evidence in Korean tobacco litigation by looking at the trans-Pacific circulation of biomedical knowledge and legal strategies.
It focuses on the question of addiction, individual choice, and legal responsibility in Korean tobacco litigation, analyzing how the neuroscience of addiction was mobilized for the co-construction of medical knowledge and legal responsibility.
The Korean plaintiffs claimed that the neuroscience of addiction - the biological and psychological process of mood alterations, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms - pointed to the loss of control in nicotine use, placing the burden of responsibility squarely on the tobacco industry.
The Korean tobacco industry, however, underscored that nicotine did not cause intoxication that would hamper smokers' ability to act rationally with respect to risks associated with cigarettes.
The Korean tobacco industry thus mobilized the multinational tobacco industry's construction of the notion of quitting that stigmatized smokers as weak, irrational, and addictive individuals.
Multinational tobacco companies understood the limitations of how scientific evidence is used in court and sought to undermine the credibility of evidence pointing to the health risks and addictive potential of smoking by employing expert testimony and conducting or supporting various studies that could foster doubt about those risks.
I show how the South Korean court failed to recognize how multinational tobacco companies deliberately manufactured doubt as a legal strategy, ultimately absolving the domestic tobacco industry of responsibility and reinforcing the stigmatization of smokers as solely accountable for the risks they assumed.
Data-Driven Guidance, Digital Health & AI Innovations for Healthy Ageing and Long-Term Care
Hyobum Jang
Medical Officer, World Health Organization(WHO)
Medical Officer, World Health Organization(WHO)
Biography
2009 - Present : Medical Officer/Technical Officer, WHO HQ
2015 - 2019 : Fellow/Consultant, WHO Samoa/South Pacific
2012 - 2013 : Master of Public Health, Harvard University
2003 - 2009 : Doctor of Medicine, Seoul National University
2015 - 2019 : Fellow/Consultant, WHO Samoa/South Pacific
2012 - 2013 : Master of Public Health, Harvard University
2003 - 2009 : Doctor of Medicine, Seoul National University
Abstract
In response to the World Health Organization’s UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030), the first segment of this presentation examines the critical role of robust data and evidence in shaping long-term care (LTC) policy.
Despite growing demand, global LTC strategies remain weak due to inconsistent data, limited comparability across settings, and fragmented monitoring frameworks.
WHO has spearheaded efforts to close these gaps— such as launching standardized country-level surveys, a comprehensive monitoring & evaluation framework, and developing core LTC assessment indicators and standards.
These tools not only enhance our understanding of care needs and service quality but also provide a foundation for actionable, evidence-based interventions.
The session will highlight these WHO initiatives and conclude with a call for multisectoral collaboration—urging participants from all regions to contribute data, share best practices, and support the continuous refinement of global LTC guidance.
Building on this policy foundation, the second segment explores how digital health and artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping healthy ageing, LTC and caregiving.
We will review WHO’s partnership with the International Telecommunication Union, which incentivizes the development and adoption of age-friendly technologies, as well as WHO’s recent work on AI and global public health.
Case studies will illustrate emerging application, such as assistive devices and remote monitoring platforms, that promise to enhance and optimize functional ability for older adults.
The presentation concludes with strategic insights on how digital health and AI can be integrated into national LTC systems, and invites forum participants to join a collaborative network for piloting, scaling, and evaluating innovative solutions.
Through concerted action, we can leverage evidence and emerging technologies to ensure sustainable, person-centered care for ageing populations worldwide.
Despite growing demand, global LTC strategies remain weak due to inconsistent data, limited comparability across settings, and fragmented monitoring frameworks.
WHO has spearheaded efforts to close these gaps— such as launching standardized country-level surveys, a comprehensive monitoring & evaluation framework, and developing core LTC assessment indicators and standards.
These tools not only enhance our understanding of care needs and service quality but also provide a foundation for actionable, evidence-based interventions.
The session will highlight these WHO initiatives and conclude with a call for multisectoral collaboration—urging participants from all regions to contribute data, share best practices, and support the continuous refinement of global LTC guidance.
Building on this policy foundation, the second segment explores how digital health and artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping healthy ageing, LTC and caregiving.
We will review WHO’s partnership with the International Telecommunication Union, which incentivizes the development and adoption of age-friendly technologies, as well as WHO’s recent work on AI and global public health.
Case studies will illustrate emerging application, such as assistive devices and remote monitoring platforms, that promise to enhance and optimize functional ability for older adults.
The presentation concludes with strategic insights on how digital health and AI can be integrated into national LTC systems, and invites forum participants to join a collaborative network for piloting, scaling, and evaluating innovative solutions.
Through concerted action, we can leverage evidence and emerging technologies to ensure sustainable, person-centered care for ageing populations worldwide.
Re:Design – Healthy ageing and the Individuals Journey
Linda Löfquist
Head of elderly care and preventive services, Lidingö City, Sweden
Head of elderly care and preventive services, Lidingö City, Sweden
Biography
2017.12 – Present : Head of Elderly Care and Preventive Services, Lidingö City Organisation responsible for meeting the needs of seniors in Lidingö. Elderly care and services, digital transformation, preventive support, and family support for all target groups. Member of the social care and healthcare administration management group.
2014.08 – 2017.11 : Head of Elderly Care, Lidingö City Responsible for elderly care at Lidingö.
2012.08 – 2014.08 : Head of Quality and Development Department, Temabo AB (Private Sector) Led the quality and development staff within the healthcare company Temabo AB. Member of the company's management team in Sweden.
2011.01 – 2012.08 : Service Designer and Project Manager, Ambea AB Responsible for service design and project execution within various sectors of future health, healthcare, social services, and the welfare system in Sweden.
2009.10 – 2011.06 : Social Worker, Elderly Care and Disability Support, Stockholm City Provided social work services for children and families, adults, and elderly. Specialist in the Social Service Act and the Swedish Act concerning Support and Service for Persons with Certain Functional Impairments.
2007.07 – 2024.04 : Head of Home Care and Family Support Managed in-home services including personal assistance, home care, family support, healthcare, daycare centers, and preventive programs.
2004.05 – 2005.01 : Head of Home Support Provided support services for families, children, adults, and elderly.
2004.01 – 2004.06 : Social Worker, Family Center and Family Support Provided support for families and children.
2003.01 – 2003.06 : Social Worker, Ekerö City Worked in family law services.
2014.08 – 2017.11 : Head of Elderly Care, Lidingö City Responsible for elderly care at Lidingö.
2012.08 – 2014.08 : Head of Quality and Development Department, Temabo AB (Private Sector) Led the quality and development staff within the healthcare company Temabo AB. Member of the company's management team in Sweden.
2011.01 – 2012.08 : Service Designer and Project Manager, Ambea AB Responsible for service design and project execution within various sectors of future health, healthcare, social services, and the welfare system in Sweden.
2009.10 – 2011.06 : Social Worker, Elderly Care and Disability Support, Stockholm City Provided social work services for children and families, adults, and elderly. Specialist in the Social Service Act and the Swedish Act concerning Support and Service for Persons with Certain Functional Impairments.
2007.07 – 2024.04 : Head of Home Care and Family Support Managed in-home services including personal assistance, home care, family support, healthcare, daycare centers, and preventive programs.
2004.05 – 2005.01 : Head of Home Support Provided support services for families, children, adults, and elderly.
2004.01 – 2004.06 : Social Worker, Family Center and Family Support Provided support for families and children.
2003.01 – 2003.06 : Social Worker, Ekerö City Worked in family law services.
Abstract
In today’s evolving landscape with a growing population, understanding the journey through the welfare system is paramount.
This user centered approach focuses on capturing the user’s perspective, gathering valuable insights into experiences, needs and challenges within preventive services, home care and long-term care in Lidingö City, Sweden.
By visualizing the journey from before, during, and after interactions with our services, we establish a comprehensive tool that reveals subtle problem areas and highlights opportunities for meaningful improvements, innovations and digital transformation.
This user-centered process not only identifies critical touchpoints but also guides decision-making and change.
Mapping the individual’s journey enables us to pinpoint where digital transformation, strategic competence provisioning and cross-sector collaborations can have the greatest impact.
It empowers both users and staff to join forces in meeting the needs in new ways.
The presentation will highlight areas where citizens' needs are met in smarter and more efficient ways.
As we move forward shaping a future that is as compassionate as it is effective positioning the user at the very heart of our operations.
This user centered approach focuses on capturing the user’s perspective, gathering valuable insights into experiences, needs and challenges within preventive services, home care and long-term care in Lidingö City, Sweden.
By visualizing the journey from before, during, and after interactions with our services, we establish a comprehensive tool that reveals subtle problem areas and highlights opportunities for meaningful improvements, innovations and digital transformation.
This user-centered process not only identifies critical touchpoints but also guides decision-making and change.
Mapping the individual’s journey enables us to pinpoint where digital transformation, strategic competence provisioning and cross-sector collaborations can have the greatest impact.
It empowers both users and staff to join forces in meeting the needs in new ways.
The presentation will highlight areas where citizens' needs are met in smarter and more efficient ways.
As we move forward shaping a future that is as compassionate as it is effective positioning the user at the very heart of our operations.
Development of a support system for long-term care certification using big data and AI
-Toward the sustainable systems in a super-aging society
Yoko Moriyama
Chief Senior Researcher of Department of Health and Welfare Services, National Institute of Public Health, Japan
Chief Senior Researcher of Department of Health and Welfare Services, National Institute of Public Health, Japan
Biography
2024.10. - Present : Deputy Director, Department of Health and Welfare Services, National Institute of Public Health (Japan)
2021.04. - Present : Chief Senior Researcher, Department of Health and Welfare Services, National Institute of Public Health (Japan)
2015.04. - 2021.03. : Senior Researcher, Department of Health and Welfare Services, National Institute of Public Health
2013.12. - 2015.03. : Assistant Professor, Department of Health Services Research, University of Tsukuba
2012.07. - 2013.11. : Researcher, Department of Health Services Research, University of Tsukuba
2021.04. - Present : Chief Senior Researcher, Department of Health and Welfare Services, National Institute of Public Health (Japan)
2015.04. - 2021.03. : Senior Researcher, Department of Health and Welfare Services, National Institute of Public Health
2013.12. - 2015.03. : Assistant Professor, Department of Health Services Research, University of Tsukuba
2012.07. - 2013.11. : Researcher, Department of Health Services Research, University of Tsukuba
Abstract
It is estimated that Japan's declining birthrate and aging population will still continue, but at the same time, the degree of aging vary greatly from region to region.
It is necessary to maintain the social security system by establishing policies by the national government and also implementing them in accordance with local realities.
In Japan, a mandatory, public long-term care insurance system (LTCI) was introduced in 2000.
Just this year, 25 years after the start of LTCI, all the Baby Boomers are now over 75 years old, then more and more older people will need care. In order to maintain the LTCI system, it is necessary to improve efficiency through the use of ICT and AI.
I introduce our research to develop an AI-based support system to simplify the process of certification in need of care, with the aim of reducing the operational burden and ensuring fairness.
In our country, there are two steps of determination in the long-term care certification: a first judgment mechanically decisioned using checklist items from the investigation, and a second judgment by a review of the certification committee of needed long-term care through human eyes.
We have searched for factors that would tend to change the level of care required in the second judgment, based on data from Japanese long-term care database and information on certification by local governments.
Based on this, a pilot version of the support system has been built, and research is underway to further improve the accuracy of the system.
It is necessary to maintain the social security system by establishing policies by the national government and also implementing them in accordance with local realities.
In Japan, a mandatory, public long-term care insurance system (LTCI) was introduced in 2000.
Just this year, 25 years after the start of LTCI, all the Baby Boomers are now over 75 years old, then more and more older people will need care. In order to maintain the LTCI system, it is necessary to improve efficiency through the use of ICT and AI.
I introduce our research to develop an AI-based support system to simplify the process of certification in need of care, with the aim of reducing the operational burden and ensuring fairness.
In our country, there are two steps of determination in the long-term care certification: a first judgment mechanically decisioned using checklist items from the investigation, and a second judgment by a review of the certification committee of needed long-term care through human eyes.
We have searched for factors that would tend to change the level of care required in the second judgment, based on data from Japanese long-term care database and information on certification by local governments.
Based on this, a pilot version of the support system has been built, and research is underway to further improve the accuracy of the system.
Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Big Data in Decision-Making Creating a Balance Between Social and Health Welfare
Hanady AIHadi
Section Head of Innovation Emerging Technologies & Digital Transformation lead, Social Protection Fund(SPF)
Section Head of Innovation Emerging Technologies & Digital Transformation lead, Social Protection Fund(SPF)
Biography
2024.01 – 2025.12 : Section Head of Innovation, Emerging Technologies & Digital Transformation Lead, Social Protection Fund (Oman)
2021.01 – 2023.12 : Senior Software Developer and Team Lead
2018.01 – 2020.12 : Software Development Team Lead
2016.01 – 2018.12 : Software Engineer
2021.01 – 2023.12 : Senior Software Developer and Team Lead
2018.01 – 2020.12 : Software Development Team Lead
2016.01 – 2018.12 : Software Engineer
Abstract
The session explore the financial challenges faced by governmental institutions in implementing artificial intelligence (AI) data–driven decision-making systems within healthcare and social welfare sectors.
While such technologies offer significant potential to improve efficiency, enhance service delivery, and support data-informed decision-making, the high initial costs of implementation present a major financial hurdle.
These upfront investments—which include software development, data integration, training, and cyber security—are especially burdensome for publicly funded entities operating under tight, often oil-dependent budgets.
There are two key financial obstacles to sustainable AI adoption.
First is the difficulty in securing and maintaining adequate funding over time. Traditional funding approaches are often inadequate, and innovative, performance-based financial models are not yet widely adopted.
Second, when AI systems begin to yield cost savings or improve operational efficiency, the financial gains are rarely reinvested into maintaining or expanding the AI infrastructure. Instead, these savings are often redirected to meet other pressing institutional needs, resulting in underfunded and unsustainable AI initiatives.
This misalignment between investment timing, delayed realization of benefits, and poor reinvestment strategies creates a structural gap that threatens the long-term viability of AI in public services.
While such technologies offer significant potential to improve efficiency, enhance service delivery, and support data-informed decision-making, the high initial costs of implementation present a major financial hurdle.
These upfront investments—which include software development, data integration, training, and cyber security—are especially burdensome for publicly funded entities operating under tight, often oil-dependent budgets.
There are two key financial obstacles to sustainable AI adoption.
First is the difficulty in securing and maintaining adequate funding over time. Traditional funding approaches are often inadequate, and innovative, performance-based financial models are not yet widely adopted.
Second, when AI systems begin to yield cost savings or improve operational efficiency, the financial gains are rarely reinvested into maintaining or expanding the AI infrastructure. Instead, these savings are often redirected to meet other pressing institutional needs, resulting in underfunded and unsustainable AI initiatives.
This misalignment between investment timing, delayed realization of benefits, and poor reinvestment strategies creates a structural gap that threatens the long-term viability of AI in public services.
Community-centered healthcare: Strengthening care through digitalization
Søren Paaske Johnsen
Director, Clinical Professor of Danish Center for Health Services Research, Aalborg University
Director, Clinical Professor of Danish Center for Health Services Research, Aalborg University
Biography
2023 – Present : Head of Danish Center for Health Services Research, Aalborg University & Aalborg University Hospital
2021 – 2023 : Head of Danish Center for Healthcare Improvements, Aalborg University
2018 – 2023 : Senior Consultant, Head of Danish Center for Clinical Health Services Research (DACS), Aalborg University & Aalborg University Hospital
2006 – 2017 : Research Consultant, Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital
2021 – 2023 : Head of Danish Center for Healthcare Improvements, Aalborg University
2018 – 2023 : Senior Consultant, Head of Danish Center for Clinical Health Services Research (DACS), Aalborg University & Aalborg University Hospital
2006 – 2017 : Research Consultant, Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital
Abstract
Denmark launched a health care reform in 2024, which will have major implications for the organization of the health care system and prioritization of health care resources.
The reform is focused on strengthening the primary care sector, including general practitioners and municipalities as well promoting a population-based perspective on health care service delivery.
Denmark is already considered an international frontrunner when it comes to the digital healthcare infrastructure, however, further substantial investments will be made in the digital infrastructure as part of the reform, in particular in coordination of initiatives and innovation of new digital tools and solutions.
The reform has received widespread political, professional and public support, however, its success will be critical dependent on the ability of the health care system to adapt and implement the many parallel and complex changes within a relatively short time period (5 years).
As the challenges of the Danish health care system are shared with many other advanced health care systems around the globe, potentially valuable learning and insights from the Danish health care reform for an international audience will become available in the coming years.
The reform is focused on strengthening the primary care sector, including general practitioners and municipalities as well promoting a population-based perspective on health care service delivery.
Denmark is already considered an international frontrunner when it comes to the digital healthcare infrastructure, however, further substantial investments will be made in the digital infrastructure as part of the reform, in particular in coordination of initiatives and innovation of new digital tools and solutions.
The reform has received widespread political, professional and public support, however, its success will be critical dependent on the ability of the health care system to adapt and implement the many parallel and complex changes within a relatively short time period (5 years).
As the challenges of the Danish health care system are shared with many other advanced health care systems around the globe, potentially valuable learning and insights from the Danish health care reform for an international audience will become available in the coming years.
The Wearable Revolution: The Future of Smart Healthcare Driven by AI and Data-Powered Medical Devices
Seung-Jin, Oh
Director of Policy Office, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital
Director of Policy Office, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital
Biography
2003 – Present : Cardiology Specialist, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital
2020 – Present : Director, Payer Hospital Policy Office, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital
Principal Investigator : AI-based Medical System Digital Transformation Support Project, Ministry of Science and ICT
Principal Investigator : Infectious Disease Response Remote Consultation Monitoring R&D Project, Ministry of Health and Welfare
Principal Investigator : Smart Hospital Leading Model Development Support Project, Ministry of Health and Welfare
2020 – Present : Director, Payer Hospital Policy Office, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital
Principal Investigator : AI-based Medical System Digital Transformation Support Project, Ministry of Science and ICT
Principal Investigator : Infectious Disease Response Remote Consultation Monitoring R&D Project, Ministry of Health and Welfare
Principal Investigator : Smart Hospital Leading Model Development Support Project, Ministry of Health and Welfare
Abstract
Wearable devices are emerging as a key enabler in the shift from hospital-centered to patient-centered care. By continuously capturing vital signs—such as heart rate, blood glucose, and respiration—they support early detection and proactive intervention for chronic conditions, accelerating the realization of smart healthcare. Despite this promise, challenges remain: signal accuracy, wearability, data interoperability, and privacy concerns. AI plays a critical role in filtering signal noise, reducing false alarms, and predicting risks. Furthermore, explainable AI (XAI) is essential to gain clinical trust and ensure medical accountability. This lecture introduces the technological trends and policy implications, offering a forward-looking vision for wearable-driven public healthcare.