Advantages of AI for healthcare in developing countries

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the capacity of computers or computer-controlled machines to undertake tasks typically necessitating human intelligence, encompassing processes such as reasoning, comprehension, generalisation, and learning from previous experiences.  Over the past few decades, AI has experienced a significant surge and has witnessed a societal transformation, particularly with the advent of OpenAI's public models. Subsequently, its applications have extended to various domains, including the medical field. Artificial Intelligence has been a game-changer in various fields, and healthcare is no exception. AI can learn how to predict the outcome based on the input data meaning these algorithms can analyse medical images to detect signs of diseases such as cancer or heart disease.  For developing countries, the focus often lies more on improving diagnostic capabilities rather than fine-tuning accuracy, given that lack of access to accurate diagnosis is a pressing issue. AI could help bridge this gap by providing faster and more reliable diagnostic support, especially in regions where there is a shortage of healthcare professionals or specialised medical facilities. This prompts the question: "Can AI find utility in healthcare within developing countries struggling with a great demand for doctors, and if so, how dependable and impactful could it potentially be?" We must also consider ethical, privacy, and regulatory aspects while advancing these technologies to ensure responsible and equitable deployment.