The World Health Organization (WHO) recently reiterated its support for the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform global health initiatives. In a statement released on Sunday, the WHO highlighted AI’s ability to revolutionize various aspects of healthcare, including tools, processes, diagnosis, and treatment methods.
According to the WHO, AI has the capability to predict diseases, personalize treatment plans, assist healthcare workers in interpreting medical images, educate patients, and ensure patient adherence to medication schedules. Earlier this year, the WHO had already acknowledged the promise of AI in enhancing global health by improving surveillance, drug development, management, diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.
To fully realize the benefits of AI in healthcare, effective governance, equitable access, robust data practices, regulatory frameworks, and policy implementations are essential, the WHO emphasized. These measures are crucial in ensuring that AI technologies can enhance service accessibility, address workforce shortages, and reduce healthcare costs.
In the Philippines, AI applications in healthcare are advancing, with initiatives such as Medhyve leveraging AI to streamline medical procurement processes. Supported by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development’s Startup Research Grant, Medhyve utilizes AI to provide smart recommendations and digitized processes for medical supply acquisition in healthcare facilities. The aim is to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness in healthcare delivery through innovative AI-driven solutions.
