Artificial Intelligence Technologies in Medicine: Case Studies from China and India
来源:InfoBrics;发表于:2024-02-14;人气指数:247
Wednesday,
February 14, 2024
Artificial Intelligence Technologies
in Medicine: Case Studies from China and India
Tatiana Bokova, Intern of the Russian
National Committee on BRICS Research – special for InfoBRICS
Due to its continuous advancement and
extensive utilization, artificial intelligence (AI) technology has permeated
deeply into all aspects of life, particularly within the realm of medicine,
while the prospects for its application continue to broaden. AI has emerged as
a powerful tool with the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery
worldwide. By leveraging AI technologies such as machine learning, natural
language processing, and computer vision, healthcare providers can enhance
diagnostic accuracy, optimize treatment plans, streamline administrative
processes, and improve patient outcomes. In countries like China and India,
where healthcare systems face unique challenges such as large populations,
limited resources, and disparities in access to care, AI offers promising
solutions to address these issues and opens up new opportunities to improve the
medical experience of patients, improve the relationship between doctor and
patient, and reduce the burden on medical staff.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a
central role in modern medicine, offering transformative capabilities that
improve various aspects of healthcare delivery. Firstly, it aids in the
accurate and efficient diagnosis of diseases. Machine learning algorithms can
identify subtle patterns and anomalies that may not be immediately apparent to
humans. For instance, machines can detect serious diseases earlier, leading to
improved patient survival rates. Secondly, artificial intelligence enhances
healthcare efficiency and resource utilization. It is possible to reduce the
workload of healthcare workers by using AI, which allows them to devote more
time and attention to patient care.
Additionally, AI-based programmes can
optimize hospital operations, anticipate patient needs, and allocate resources
more efficiently, leading to cost savings, shorter waiting times, and higher
patient satisfaction. Furthermore, AI systems can quickly and accurately find
and test appropriate medications by relying on big data from millions of
patients. Computer modelling can be used to predict the activity, safety, and
side effects of drugs, and to identify the most effective drug for treating a
disease. This technology has the potential to shorten the drug development
cycle, reduce the cost of new drugs, and increase the likelihood of success in
drug development.
Each country has specific goals for
implementing artificial intelligence in medicine, driven by unique healthcare
challenges, technological capabilities, and socioeconomic factors. In China,
the aim is to leverage AI in medicine to address the challenges posed by its
rapidly aging population and growing healthcare demands. By integrating
artificial intelligence technologies into healthcare systems, China aims to
enhance diagnostic accuracy, optimize treatment outcomes, and improve access to
healthcare services, particularly in underserved rural areas. Furthermore,
China aims to establish itself as a global leader in AI-driven healthcare
innovation, promoting economic growth and technological advancement.
On the other side, India aims to address
challenges related to healthcare accessibility, affordability and quality
through the use of AI in medicine. The country intends to use artificial
intelligence technologies to expand access to healthcare services, especially
in remote and rural areas where healthcare infrastructure is limited.
Furthermore, India aims to enhance diagnostic capabilities, streamline
healthcare delivery, and reduce healthcare costs through the adoption of
AI-driven solutions.
China is at the forefront of healthcare
innovation, utilizing robots and machine technology. Since 2016, China has
issued a series of relevant policies, including the "Internet+"
Three-Year Action and Implementation Plan for Artificial Intelligence, the
"Guiding Opinions on Promoting and Regulating the Application and
Development of Big Data in Health and Medical Care" and the plan
"Healthy China. 2030". These policies promote and guide the
integration of artificial intelligence, such as natural language processing and
machine learning, into various aspects of medicine and healthcare. According to
Omdia research, Chinese startups raised $1.4 billion in funding in 2020 alone,
compared to their US counterparts' $2.4 billion, and the two countries
accounted for 90 per cent of global investment in medical AI startups.
One notable case study is the
utilization of AI in cancer diagnosis at Beijing's National Cancer Center.
Researchers developed a deep learning algorithm capable of analyzing medical
imaging data to detect and classify various types of cancer with remarkable
accuracy. According to a study published in the journal Nature Medicine, the AI
system achieved a diagnostic accuracy rate of 89%, outperforming human
radiologists who achieved a rate of 73% in the same task.
In the People's Republic of China, more
and more medical institutions are deploying intelligent diagnostic and
treatment assistants, such as Alibaba Health's "ET Medical Assistant"
and Tencent Medical's "Tencent Medical Dictionary", to improve the
efficiency and quality of medical care. Some hospitals have also released their
own intelligent diagnosis and treatment assistant products at the same time.
These intelligent tools have become indispensable for doctors and patients,
greatly improving the quality and efficiency of medical services.
Zhao Jing, Director of Medical
Artificial Intelligence Products, Tencent Healthcare, pointed out the
following: "Medical artificial intelligence products are mainly based on
medical artificial intelligence and natural language processing technologies
developed by Tencent, and simulate the growth and learning process of a human
doctor by studying medical literature, clinical guidelines, clinical
recommendations. records and other data.”
Furthermore, AI-powered chatbots have
been deployed in primary care settings across China to provide personalized
health advice and support to patients. These chatbots leverage natural language
processing (NLP) algorithms to understand patients' symptoms, provide relevant
medical information, and assist with appointment scheduling and medication
management. According to a report by the China Association for Science and
Technology, hospitals using AI chatbots experienced a 20% reduction in patient
wait times and a 15% increase in patient satisfaction scores. This demonstrates
the tangible benefits of AI-driven solutions in improving access to healthcare
services and enhancing patient experience. Thus, as China continues to invest
in AI-driven healthcare innovation, we can expect further advancements that
will revolutionize healthcare delivery and improve population health outcomes.
India is experiencing significant growth
in the application of artificial intelligence technology in healthcare, from
diagnosis to treatment and beyond. According to recent statistics, India's
artificial intelligence in healthcare market is expected to reach USD 1.6
billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 40.5% between 2020 and
2025. For example, with a fast-growing pharmaceutical industry, India can
significantly benefit from AI-based drug research and development. Statistics
show that AI can reduce drug development costs by up to 60% for pharmaceutical
companies.
Last year, FactorDaily reported that
mFine uses robots to communicate with patients and collect basic information
about patients and symptoms before referring cases to doctors, saving time and
allowing it to see more patients. Now, mFine is working to apply artificial
intelligence to diagnosis, going a step further than previous doctor-patient
interactions. In India, there are several medical startups that utilise
artificial intelligence, including Qure.ai, specialised in medical imaging;
Sigtuple, focused on pathology; CureSkin, offering dermatology solutions;
Niramai, dedicated to breast cancer detection; and Tricog Health's cloud-based
ECG device. Additionally, major companies like Google and Microsoft have
initiated pilot collaborations with hospital networks in India. Practo, a
doctor appointment app, is attempting to automate doctor-patient interaction
through the use of artificial intelligence.
On 12 April, the Yashoda Super
Speciality Hospital in Ghaziabad, India, inaugurated a new robotic surgery and
artificial intelligence department. P.N. Arora, managing director of Yashoda
Super Speciality Hospital, mentioned: "We have always been in favour of
finding new ways to provide advanced and affordable healthcare services and our
aim is to introduce advanced medical technologies in our hospitals for the
benefit of our patients with tangible benefits. Advanced technologies such as
robotic surgery and artificial intelligence are revolutionising healthcare,
helping us provide the best care and experience to our patients.”
Finally, the integration of artificial
intelligence in healthcare represents a paradigm shift with immense potential
to revolutionise medical practice and improve patient outcomes. China and India
are leading this transformative path, using AI technologies to address
healthcare challenges, improve diagnostics, optimise treatment plans, and
expand access to quality healthcare services. With significant investments,
government initiatives, and a dynamic ecosystem of researchers, startups, and
healthcare providers, both countries are well-positioned for substantial growth
and innovation in AI-driven healthcare applications. As artificial intelligence
continues to evolve and integrate into healthcare systems, it has the potential
to transform the delivery of healthcare, making it more personalised,
efficient, and accessible.
However, to ensure the responsible and
equitable use of AI in healthcare, it is necessary to address challenges such
as data privacy, regulatory compliance, and ethical considerations.
Collaboration between stakeholders, including governments, industry leaders,
healthcare providers, and researchers, is essential to overcome these
challenges and unlock the full potential of artificial intelligence in
improving global public health. Looking ahead, continued advancements in AI
technologies, coupled with innovative approaches to healthcare delivery and
patient-centered care, will pave the way for a future where AI-driven
healthcare solutions play a central role in enhancing human health and
well-being.
Source: InfoBrics