Title: WHO Representative Urges Urgent Implementation of AI in Healthcare, Stresses Complementary Role to Health Professionals
In a recent address to health practitioners at the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons’ Medical Knowledge Fiesta 2023, the World Health Organisation (WHO) representative to Ghana, Dr Francis Kasolo, emphasized the urgent need for the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in building a sustainable and healthy nation. He dismissed the notion that AI will replace healthcare professionals but highlighted the importance of leveraging emerging technologies to improve healthcare outcomes.
Dr Kasolo highlighted some of the activities conducted by the WHO to guide countries in implementing AI in healthcare. These include the provision of guidance materials on ethics and governance and the offering of free online courses through the WHO e-learning platform. The aim is to ensure that no country is left behind in the AI revolution and to promote universal health coverage.
To effectively implement AI in Ghana’s healthcare system, Dr Kasolo made several recommendations. Firstly, he stressed the need to expand the country’s digital health data system to enhance access to digital health services and foster innovation. He also called for enhanced collaboration among various stakeholders, including the government, partners, private sector, healthcare providers, and technology partners, to facilitate the adoption of AI.
Additionally, Dr Kasolo underscored the importance of promoting digital literacy to maximize the benefits of AI. He emphasized the need to prioritize data privacy and security while standardizing AI applications across the healthcare system. This standardization would simplify training and utilization, making AI more accessible and user-friendly for healthcare professionals.
The Medical Knowledge Fiesta 2023 focused on the theme of Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Build a Sustainable & Healthy Nation; the Role of the Health Professional. The event provided experts in various fields, including Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Psychiatry, Emergency Medicine, Public Health, Global Health, One Health, and Artificial Intelligence, with a platform to share knowledge and discuss the potential of AI in healthcare.
The Planning Committee Chair for the Medical Knowledge Fiesta, Dr Kazia Malm, explained the rationale behind choosing the theme. The aim was to create a discussion around AI and its integration into the healthcare system. The availability of plenary sessions, track sessions, and workshops during the event allowed doctors to gain hands-on skills and explore the regulatory issues associated with AI in healthcare.
Following the conference, Professor Richard Adanu, the rector of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, expressed his optimism regarding the application of AI in healthcare. He acknowledged the potential of AI to improve the efficiency of healthcare workers and enhance the overall outcome of health services. He emphasized the importance of developing policies and standards to guide the use of AI in health and announced Ghana’s readiness to take advantage of the benefits offered by AI.
Prince Ebenezer Adjei, a lecturer at the Department of Biomedical Engineering, KNUST, and AI healthcare specialist, stressed that AI should complement the work of health professionals rather than replace them. He highlighted the potential of AI to make healthcare professionals more efficient and improve patient care outcomes. He also mentioned the positive response from doctors at the conference, indicating their eagerness to embrace AI in the healthcare industry.
In conclusion, the WHO representative to Ghana, Dr Francis Kasolo, emphasized the urgent need for AI integration to build a sustainable and healthy nation. It is crucial to recognize that AI will complement the work of healthcare professionals rather than replace them. By expanding digital health data systems, promoting collaboration among stakeholders, and prioritizing digital literacy and data privacy, Ghana can harness the benefits of AI and improve healthcare delivery.
