Our AI-driven healthcare future needs one vital ingredient – the human touch

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a crucial component in the healthcare sector, a topic that will be discussed at the upcoming World Health Summit in Berlin. While AI has the potential to enhance patient outcomes, it also presents risks, including data collection and use, and biases that can affect patient outcomes. By 2025, it is projected that over US$30 billion will be invested in AI for healthcare, reflecting the growing confidence in AI-driven healthcare solutions.

A significant factor driving this investment is the need to better utilize the vast amount of healthcare data available. Through data analysis and tools like virtual health assistants, AI can significantly reduce healthcare costs. Wearable health devices and AI-backed treatment plans, which focus more on individual needs and early healthcare measures, are also gaining popularity. In China, for example, devices from companies like Huawei Technologies monitor crucial health statistics, while platforms like Ping An Good Doctor provide AI-driven preliminary diagnoses.

However, the integration of AI into healthcare is not limited to China. Significant advancements have also been made in Europe and the United States. Countries like Britain, France, and Germany are leading public-private initiatives, such as digital innovation hubs in healthcare. The US, home to pioneers like DeepMind, emphasizes cutting-edge research with regulatory vigilance. DeepMind has trained its AI algorithms to detect more than 50 eye diseases from medical scans. The Food and Drug Administration's guidelines for AI-based medical devices and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act's data privacy mandates demonstrate this commitment.