INTRODUCTION

Syarifah Liza Munira

The yearly conference organised by Global Health Asia-Pacific that took place in Bali last May saw several healthcare experts discuss promising developments in the medical industry .

Dr Ravi Shrestha , General Manager and Senior Director of Global Healthcare IT at Canon Medical System Corporation , explained how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of the healthcare .

While some studies have shown AI can outperform physicians in diagnosing several conditions by improving the analysis of imaging test results , the advanced technology also promises to streamline the drug discovery process . For example , an AI-powered system has allowed researchers to identify a novel antibiotic that can eliminate common bacteria causing several hard-to-treat infections by processing massive amounts of data .

Dr Shrestha said AI could also play an important role in preventing

Varun Panjwani

diseases . Indeed , Hong Kong and US researchers recently developed an algorithm to predict diabetic kidney disease risk , thus helping physicians optimise treatment and prevent the condition .

In addition to improving care , AI could also provide massive financial benefits , said Dr Shrestha . Several studies suggest that the widespread adoption of AI in the medical industry

Dr Ravi Shrestha

Dr Wanviput Sanphasitvong

could significantly reduce healthcare costs , with yearly savings amounting to billions of dollars .

But he added that there are also several risks around the use of AI in healthcare . The World Health Organization ( WHO ) warned that “ the precipitous adoption of untested systems could lead to errors by healthcare workers , cause harm to patients , erode trust in AI and thereby

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