Rapid strides in use of AI highlighted

Apr 23, 2024 8:58 AM

BAHRAIN has initiated 65 projects that utilise artificial intelligence (AI) in various sectors, including healthcare, over the last seven years, a forum heard.

The country’s rapid strides and its keenness to adopt the latest technologies were highlighted by International Group of Artificial Intelligence Bahrain president Dr Jassim Haji, on the second and final day of a major medical conference yesterday.

The C3 Bahrain ‘Davos of Healthcare’ summit was organised by the American Mission Hospital (AMH) under the theme ‘The Evolution of Global Healthcare’ at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Residence and Spa.

It featured various keynote speakers and discussions on several topics including ‘smart’ hospitals, utilisation of AI in healthcare and the role of the private sector in the industry.

“Bahrain started investing in AI back in 2017,” Mr Haji said during a panel discussion titled ‘The Role of Big Data and AI’.

“It was mostly thanks to Supreme Defence Council Secretary-General, Royal Guard Commander and Board of Trustees Chairman of the Nasser Vocational Training Centre, Lieutenant-General Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who has encouraged investment in technology.

“Since then, we have established 65 projects in the country that utilise AI in one form or the other, some of which include healthcare services in both public and private hospitals.

“One such example is using AI to inventory medicine and check for expired medications.”

The use of AI in healthcare continues to gain momentum worldwide with several studies confirming its effectiveness in diagnosing chronic illnesses, increasing staff efficiency and improving the quality of care while optimising resources.

Mr Haji, however, added that AI in healthcare needed its own monitoring systems and guidelines.

“The owner of the algorithm of each AI needs to be noted because many people can develop their own device with their own algorithm,” he added.

Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Centre associate director Dr Otto Metzger, who also spoke at the event, suggested more ways for Bahrain to effectively deploy AI in healthcare.

“AI can be used in clinical research and trials,” Dr Metzger pointed out.

“By combining AI with the genome database, we can determine whether patients are suitable candidates for such tests or not.

“It can also help with targeted individual therapy, allowing doctors to sift through a lot of data in a matter of minutes, if not seconds, which can save the lives of patients by ensuring they receive proper medication.

“Utilising AI to its full potential can help doctors in Bahrain and abroad to spend more time with patients, which is crucial to understanding them.

Despite the recommendations, Dr Metzger also acknowledged that AI had its drawbacks.

“Doctors will need training to use it efficiently,” he said.

“This may be possible for medical students but time may be a factor for professionals.

“Another major drawback is that AI might not account for variability and might not be suited for complex cases.

“Of course, AI can be biased as well because it can only give you the information it has been fed, and is not as flexible with new information.”

Another session for the day looked at the importance of partnership between private and public healthcare systems in Bahrain.

Among the speakers at the session, titled ‘Role of Public-Private Partnerships in Building Tomorrow’s Healthcare Systems’ were National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) group chief executive Usman Ahmed and Economic Development Board (EDB) health affairs director Munther Al Mudawi.

“The role of banks in healthcare cannot be understated,” Mr Ahmed said.

“Ensuring that the country has the best possible healthcare facilities is part of a bank’s duties towards society.

“NBB has worked extensively with healthcare in Bahrain, playing a part in financing the new King Hamad American Mission Hospital in A’ali.

“The banking sector in general, needs to have a strong social commitment to the healthcare sector to help people.”

Mr Al Mudawi highlighted the importance of investing in the sector for Bahrain’s future and ensuring that private firms and government entities co-operate as much as possible.

“Healthcare is a priority for the government, especially for His Majesty King Hamad,” he said.

“It is crucial that no compromise is made in the provision of healthcare services, especially since it’s an important part of Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.

“The EDB has made it clear – we want less competition and more co-ordination, and when that happens, not only will it provide the best possible outcomes for patients, but also boost healthcare tourism which is key for the country’s development.”

The event featured more than 15 sessions over two days, with more than 40 speakers, all of whom were honoured by AMH corporate chief executive and chief medical officer Dr George Cheriyan and C3 Summit founder Ransel Potter.