Saudi and British Experts Emphasize Importance of Artificial Intelligence and Technology in Healthcare
On the second day of the GREAT Futures Conference in Riyadh, Saudi and British experts came together to discuss the crucial role of artificial intelligence and technology in revolutionizing healthcare.
Dr. Khalid Al-Shaibani, CEO of the Health Sector Transformation Program, highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to utilizing digital health to enhance healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes as part of Vision 2030 directives.
The Future of Healthcare in Saudi Arabia
A key focus of the panel discussions was the Kingdom’s goal to reduce waiting times, lower costs, and enhance the quality of life for its citizens through a preventive, patient-centric healthcare system that extends care beyond hospital walls and into individuals’ homes.
Dr. Al-Shaibani emphasized the collaborative effort across sectors of the Saudi government to promote health, equity, and sustainability in decision-making processes, fostering an environment that prioritizes citizens’ well-being.
Bridge the Gap with Technology
Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Homod, chief medical officer of Seha Virtual Hospital, discussed how wearable technology could bridge the gap between primary and secondary care by tracking patients’ vitals and uploading data to a unified database for a clearer understanding of progress before secondary care.
He also highlighted the potential for virtual visits in secondary care to reduce costs and improve efficiency, showcasing the hunger for innovation within the healthcare ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.
Collaboration and AI in Healthcare
Nick Markham, UK’s Undersecretary of State in the Department of Health and Social Care, emphasized the collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the UK in utilizing AI for healthcare advancements.
Markham discussed how AI could analyze vast amounts of data from the UK’s national health system to detect patterns that were previously unseen, addressing medical questions like early detection of dementia.
Investing in Research and Development
Mohammed Al-Otaibi, head of the Research Development and Innovation Authority, highlighted the partnership between Saudi Arabia and the UK in deep-tech research and development fields.
He pointed to the Research Lab Support Program, which aims to accelerate R&D in medicine and beyond by allocating SR312 million ($83 million) to 30 entities overseeing 86 research labs across the Kingdom.