The real test for medical AI is how many people it helps

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is sparking both excitement and apprehension. Concerns range from job displacement to the risk of machines surpassing human control. However, the potential for AI to enhance lives is undeniable, particularly in medical research and healthcare. This is evident in recent initiatives in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that demonstrate the technology's transformative power.

AstraZeneca, a UK-based pharmaceutical company that heavily utilizes AI and other technologies, is committing $50 million to nearly 30 clinical trials in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. The focus is on cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic diseases. The company is also partnering with Oracle and M42, an Abu Dhabi-based tech-enabled healthcare firm, to leverage AI and real-world medical data to improve hypertension diagnosis, clinical trial recruitment, and safety monitoring.

In another development, M42 has launched Ossi, an AI platform aimed at reducing doctors' administrative workloads, allowing them to spend more time with patients. By summarizing medical histories and supporting clinical documentation, Ossi could help physicians concentrate solely on their patients. Similarly, Insilico Medicine, an American biotech company with scientists based in Masdar City, is employing AI to discover potential treatments for blood cancer and develop non-opioid painkillers. While clinical testing is still required, AI's capacity to accelerate drug discovery is promising.

Preventive care is also benefiting from technological advancements. The Abu Dhabi Department of Health's Project Cradle is investigating whether wearable smart rings can detect warning signs of premature birth in high-risk pregnancies. Additionally, a partnership between the department and Whoop, a US-based wearable tech company, will explore sleep, cardiovascular health, and aging. These initiatives are crucial as they aim to prevent illness, helping individuals avoid complications and expensive treatments later in life.

The increasing ability of technology to streamline public services and business operations is also noteworthy. Oracle's latest agentic AI systems, which handle complex tasks such as supply chains, shipping, and restaurant management, exemplify this. However, when it comes to healthcare, the stakes are significantly higher. Digitization does introduce privacy and security risks, necessitating robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive medical information and maintain clinical oversight.

Moreover, accessibility must be ensured for individuals with limited digital literacy. Technological benefits should not be limited to the wealthy or those with comprehensive health insurance. Governments and insurance providers must prioritize equitable access as a key principle in health tech innovation.

Ultimately, medical progress should not solely be judged by how swiftly a drug is discovered but by how many lives it improves, irrespective of socioeconomic status or geographic location. Advances in AI have the potential to measure human lives saved or improved, marking the true impact of these technological leaps.