Fixing Healthcare, Digitally

17 Jan 2024 13:15h - 14:00h

Event report

Digital transformation and AI could revolutionize access to quality healthcare by empowering doctors, detecting diseases and sparking drug discoveries.

As government and industry actors strive to unlock the potential of health data and technology, what multisectoral partnerships and actions can power the future of health?

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Table of contents

Disclaimer: This is not an official record of the WEF session. The DiploAI system automatically generates these resources from the audiovisual recording. Resources are presented in their original format, as provided by the AI (e.g. including any spelling mistakes). The accuracy of these resources cannot be guaranteed. The official record of the session can be found on the WEF YouTube channel.

Full session report

Moderator – Sara Kehaulani Goo

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a crucial component in the healthcare industry, offering potential benefits such as efficiency gains, discoveries, and enhanced accessibility. Mayo Clinic, a renowned healthcare organization, recognizes the importance of AI and is investing in an AI technology firm. They utilize AI to scan medical images and records, aiding in the detection of diseases, including cardiovascular conditions.

The significance of AI in healthcare is widely acknowledged, evident from the focus and discussions at events like WEF24. AI is extensively deployed for research and service delivery in the healthcare sector, showcasing its relevance and potential in improving healthcare outcomes.

According to Christophe Weber, a prominent figure in the healthcare industry, AI and data have the potential to bring about a significant 30% efficiency gain in aspects of healthcare, including research, development, and manufacturing. This efficiency boost could lead to advancements and discoveries in healthcare, including the identification of new molecules and treatment targets.

Furthermore, the implementation of technology in healthcare infrastructure can greatly enhance accessibility, particularly in rural areas. An excellent example is Rwanda, where a network of over 70,000 community health workers utilizes mobile devices to provide healthcare services to underserved populations. Private investments and social enterprises are also encouraged to build health posts in rural areas. Additionally, satellite data is utilized to identify areas with higher population densities, environmental data, and mobility, enabling the placement of health posts where needed.

While the potential benefits of AI and technology in healthcare infrastructure are evident, their successful implementation requires creativity and unconventional thinking. Traditional models may not fully address the complex gaps and needs in healthcare infrastructure. Moreover, it is crucial to strike a balance in investments, considering the vulnerability of certain areas to environmental disasters.

In conclusion, AI is a key driver of innovation in the healthcare industry. Mayo Clinic’s investment in AI technology reflects the growing importance and potential of AI in healthcare. The efficiency gains, discoveries, and enhanced accessibility brought about by AI and technology in healthcare infrastructure have the potential to greatly improve healthcare outcomes globally. However, successful implementation requires a flexible and creative approach, acknowledging the gaps in traditional models and the potential risks associated with certain areas.

Revanth Reddy Anumula

Revanth Reddy Anumula, a government official, is determined to revolutionise healthcare through the implementation of technology. One of his key proposals is the creation of digital health records for all citizens, a proactive measure that will enhance planning and implementation of healthcare services, resulting in more efficient and effective delivery.

Anumula recognises the need to improve healthcare access for the underprivileged, highlighting the Rajiv Arogyashree scheme as a significant step towards achieving this goal. This scheme provides financial coverage for hospital bills up to 1 million rupees annually for impoverished individuals, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their socio-economic background, has access to quality healthcare services. Anumula argues that affordable and high-quality healthcare is essential for the development and progress of any society.

In addition, Anumula is focused on strengthening Telangana’s position as a global leader in healthcare and software. He highlights Hyderabad, the state’s capital, as a hub for healthcare and software advancements. Hyderabad contributes an impressive 33% of all global vaccines and drug production, solidifying its reputation as a leading player in these industries. Anumula’s commitment to establishing Telangana as a healthcare and software capital is evident in his initiatives to attract global companies for investment and partnership. He extends an invitation to attend the BioAsia 2024 event, which serves as a platform for life sciences companies, aiming to foster collaborations that can drive meaningful change in healthcare and software.

In conclusion, Revanth Reddy Anumula’s vision and actions underscore his dedication to leveraging technology to improve healthcare services. His plans for digital health records and emphasis on healthcare access for the poor showcase his commitment to creating a more equitable and efficient healthcare system. Furthermore, his initiatives to strengthen Telangana’s position in healthcare and software, and his invitation to global companies for investment and collaboration, highlight his ambition to position the state as a global leader in these sectors. Anumula’s efforts hold great promise for advancing healthcare and technology in the region and fostering partnerships that can drive meaningful change.

Christophe Weber

The analysis suggests that implementing AI, data, and technology in healthcare has the potential to bring various benefits and advancements. One key finding is that Mayo Clinic believes they can achieve a 30% increase in efficiency by integrating AI and data into their processes within a few years. This highlights the significant impact these technologies can have on improving healthcare operations.

Furthermore, AI has the potential to revolutionise the discovery of new molecules and targets in medicine development. This can lead to the creation of previously unimaginable treatments, contributing to advancements in global healthcare. The argument is made that accelerating the drug development process can bring substantial improvements in healthcare globally. This is supported by the idea that reducing development time by 30% could lead to transformative levels of productivity. Additionally, targeted development can benefit patients by providing more effective and tailored treatments.

The importance of transparency and data privacy in the healthcare industry is emphasised by Christophe Weber. Clearly communicating how data is used and who has access to it is crucial to building trust with customers. This validates the notion that transparency and data privacy are essential aspects of creating a trustworthy healthcare environment.

The issue of data ownership is also raised, particularly highlighting the ambiguity surrounding data ownership in some countries. While data privacy has been the primary concern, it remains unclear who actually owns the data in certain jurisdictions. The argument is made that clarification on data ownership is necessary to ensure fair and equitable usage of this valuable resource. It is also noted that data ownership may differ depending on whether the data is anonymised or not.

Additionally, the analysis reveals the need for greater transparency and collaboration with regulators in the healthcare industry. It is argued that multiple stakeholders can create significant value by leveraging healthcare data, but the absence of clear regulations and clarity surrounding data ownership presents a hindrance to progress in this regard.

The potential for innovation, longer life expectancy, and reduced inequity is highlighted as positive outcomes resulting from the use of data, technology, and AI in healthcare. This suggests that these advancements can contribute to substantial improvements in healthcare outcomes on a broader scale.

However, there is also recognition of the challenges posed by the increasing costs of healthcare, which are projected to rise faster than GDP. This highlights the need for a paradigm shift in healthcare financing and an acknowledgement of the need for more sustainable models.

In conclusion, the analysis highlights the numerous benefits and positive impacts that AI, data, and technology can bring to the healthcare sector. It underscores the potential for improved efficiency, drug development, transparency, and overall healthcare outcomes. However, it also acknowledges the challenges, particularly in terms of data ownership and rising healthcare costs. The analysis emphasizes the importance of finding innovative solutions and collaborations to leverage these technologies, creating a more efficient and effective healthcare system.

Paula Ingabire

Rwanda has made remarkable progress in achieving universal healthcare coverage, with over 99% of its citizens now having health insurance. This achievement has paved the way for improved access to healthcare services for all Rwandans. The government of Rwanda recognises the potential of digital processes in enhancing the accessibility of healthcare services and is actively exploring their implementation. By leveraging digital technologies, such as telemedicine and electronic health records, the government aims to make healthcare services more efficient and convenient for citizens.

Public-private partnerships have played a crucial role in driving technological advancements in Rwanda’s healthcare sector. One notable partnership is with Zipline, a drone delivery service, which has drastically reduced the delivery time of medical products from hours to minutes. This collaboration has not only improved the timely delivery of essential medical supplies but has also demonstrated the positive outcomes that can result from public-private partnerships in implementing technological solutions.

Rwanda’s experience in implementing new technologies, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) in radiology, has informed the development of appropriate regulations and policies. By using AI models to assist radiologists in analyzing medical cases, Rwanda has been able to effectively manage workloads and prioritize critical cases. The success of this initiative has contributed to the accelerated development of data protection and privacy laws, ensuring that patient information is handled securely.

Building trust in the context of emerging technologies is crucial for their successful implementation. Rwanda acknowledges the importance of trust and seeks to address this issue through transparency, education, and value presentation. By increasing awareness, providing transparent information, and demonstrating the value of technological solutions, Rwanda aims to bridge any trust gaps between the government and its citizens.

Furthermore, the importance of starting with less sensitive issues to gradually build trust cannot be understated. By focusing on solving less complex and contentious problems, Rwanda has been able to gain the trust of its citizens and build momentum in addressing more complex issues. This incremental approach not only fosters trust but also allows for valuable insights and lessons to be learned in the process.

Co-creation is another key aspect highlighted in the analysis. In order to ensure effective implementation and regulation of emerging technologies, Rwanda recognizes the need for co-creation with relevant stakeholders, including potential beneficiaries and experts. This collaborative approach extends beyond just the development of products and services, encompassing the creation of necessary regulations that govern their use.

Addressing the infrastructure gap in healthcare is a pressing concern for Rwanda. The country has implemented creative and non-traditional models to overcome this challenge. These include the establishment of a network of over 70,000 mobile community health workers, the involvement of private investments and social enterprises in building health posts, and the utilization of satellite data for location selection. These innovative approaches have proven to be crucial in closing the infrastructure gap and improving healthcare accessibility, especially in rural areas.

Lastly, Rwanda recognizes the transformative potential of healthcare financing and the deployment of innovative technologies in revolutionizing the healthcare industry. By investing in these areas, Rwanda aims to improve the quality of healthcare services, enhance efficiency, and ultimately improve the overall health and well-being of its citizens.

In conclusion, Rwanda’s healthcare sector has undergone significant transformations through the implementation of various strategies and initiatives. The achievement of universal healthcare coverage, exploration of digital processes, successful public-private partnerships, informed regulations and policies, trust-building efforts, incremental problem-solving, co-creation, innovative infrastructure models, and investment in healthcare financing and technology all contribute to the country’s progress in improving healthcare delivery and accessibility.

Stella Kyriakides

The European Union (EU) is aiming to establish regulations for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare. Recognising the potential benefits of AI in the healthcare industry, the EU acknowledges the need for guardrails to ensure its responsible and ethical use. This groundbreaking initiative marks the world’s first AI Regulation Act aimed at implementing a framework for AI in healthcare.

Additionally, the EU is actively working towards creating a European health data space, a significant component of the European Health Union. This initiative seeks to integrate health data systems across member states, facilitating more efficient healthcare delivery and research capabilities. It includes the introduction of ‘My Health at EU’, granting individuals access to their health records when travelling across EU member states. The proposal also promotes the secondary use of data, enabling the pooling of health data for innovation and research purposes.

Stella Kyriakides, the EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, emphasises the importance of trust in systems handling personal health data. The European health data space proposal incorporates safeguards to ensure that citizens maintain control over their health data, allowing them to choose with whom they share their data and what information is shared.

Kyriakides also supports the idea that individuals should have control over their health data. The European health data space proposal offers consumers the choice to share their health data with medical providers, while also providing citizens with the option to withhold certain data if they wish, empowering them with greater agency and control over their personal information.

It is important to distinguish between the personal use of health data and its anonymous use for research purposes. Kyriakides highlights this distinction and ensures that health data used for research is anonymised, protecting privacy and implementing necessary controls to safeguard individuals’ sensitive information.

While recognising the potential of AI and digitalisation in healthcare, the EU is committed to preventing any resulting inequities. Collaborating with member states, the EU is working to strengthen health systems and ensure that the benefits of AI and digital healthcare are accessible to all. Additionally, there is a focus on education and capacity building for healthcare workers, enabling them to effectively utilise AI and digital healthcare technologies to benefit patients from all demographics.

In conclusion, the EU is taking significant steps to regulate AI in healthcare and establish a European health data space. The emphasis on trust, individual control over health data, and the prevention of inequities reflects the EU’s commitment to responsible and ethical healthcare practices. Despite the challenges involved, the EU advocates for innovative thinking and forward movement to harness the potential of AI and digitalisation in healthcare while ensuring the well-being of the population.

Gianrico Farrugia

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionise the healthcare industry by predicting health issues years ahead of symptoms, diagnosing a range of problems from a single electrocardiogram, and improving outcomes and productivity. However, it is important to note that AI is not a fix for all healthcare issues and should be seen as a tool to complement existing healthcare practices.

One of the key arguments surrounding AI in healthcare is the need to strike a balance between embracing AI and implementing appropriate regulation. While AI has the potential to transform healthcare, regulations need to keep pace to ensure its effectiveness and safety. The focus should be on self-regulation, validation, and creating a conducive environment for AI to thrive.

Before fully integrating AI into healthcare, it is crucial to address the underlying issues in healthcare infrastructure, such as disparities, inequalities, and access. While AI shows promise, fixing the current infrastructure is necessary to ensure equitable and accessible healthcare for all.

Innovation in healthcare is also essential, and AI plays a significant role in shaping its future. Examples such as using drones to deliver medical supplies to remote areas showcase the potential for innovation in healthcare. There must be a willingness to pivot and adapt to new data and technology, and a distinction between skepticism and cynicism when evaluating AI and digital tools.

Collaboration and partnership in healthcare are critical for creating sustainable solutions. Healthcare has an obligation to voice opinions and collaborate with diverse partners to address healthcare challenges effectively.

The importance of third-party validation and self-regulation in healthcare cannot be overstated. Validated systems can inform government and other sectors for better regulation, ensuring that digital tools in healthcare are effective and meet their intended purposes.

Digital healthcare solutions have the potential to level the playing field and improve patient outcomes. For example, an ECG solution developed by the Mayo Clinic is being used in Nigeria to detect peripartum heart failure. However, inadequate physical healthcare infrastructure globally could hinder the full potential of digital healthcare transformation.

While genetic therapies hold promise in changing lives, the initial costs associated with these therapies are often high. New payment models need to be developed to make these therapies more accessible and affordable for patients.

Other emerging areas of healthcare innovation, such as biotherapeutics, cellular therapies, and teranostics, are expected to bring major improvements in the coming years.

The inadequate replacement of ageing healthcare infrastructure in the United States is a concerning issue. The last infrastructure act for healthcare in the US was in the late 1940s, and the ageing infrastructure is not being replaced at the same rate as it deteriorates, further highlighting the need for urgent attention and investment.

Rebuilding hospitals and integrating digital tools into the healthcare system are immediate needs. Despite the potential of digital tools, the current situation does not support their widespread adoption. However, recent announcements of a $6 billion investment indicate progress in redoing infrastructure to accommodate digital healthcare solutions.

Governments globally need to take responsibility and prioritise infrastructure development in healthcare. Collaboration and partnerships are crucial for achieving this goal.

Overall, healthcare systems have a responsibility to effectively represent patients and ensure their voices are heard. Technology plays a critical role in this representation, and healthcare needs to embrace technology to improve patient outcomes and experiences.

In conclusion, AI has the potential to transform healthcare, but it should be seen as a complement to existing practices. Striking a balance between embracing AI and implementing appropriate regulation is necessary. Addressing issues in healthcare infrastructure, promoting innovation, collaborating with partners, ensuring validation and self-regulation, investing in digital healthcare solutions, and developing new payment models for genetic therapies are essential for creating a sustainable and equitable healthcare system. Governments also need to prioritise infrastructure development to support the integration of digital tools effectively and efficiently. By embracing technology and effectively representing patients, healthcare systems can improve outcomes and provide better care for all.

CW

Christophe Weber

Speech speed

158 words per minute

Speech length

656 words

Speech time

249 secs

GF

Gianrico Farrugia

Speech speed

181 words per minute

Speech length

1742 words

Speech time

576 secs

M-

Moderator – Sara Kehaulani Goo

Speech speed

186 words per minute

Speech length

1422 words

Speech time

458 secs

PI

Paula Ingabire

Speech speed

215 words per minute

Speech length

1861 words

Speech time

519 secs

RR

Revanth Reddy Anumula

Speech speed

150 words per minute

Speech length

225 words

Speech time

90 secs

SK

Stella Kyriakides

Speech speed

181 words per minute

Speech length

1258 words

Speech time

418 secs