Diagnosing the strengths and ills of AI in healthcare

Diagnosing the strengths and ills of AI in healthcare

Diagnosing the strengths and ills of AI in healthcare
AI systems, when properly trained and validated, can significantly reduce errors in medical diagnosis. (Shutterstock)
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One of the main advantages of artificial intelligence-supported diagnostics is the exceptional speed and accuracy it offers. AI systems can analyze vast amounts of medical data, including patient records, images and lab results, at a pace far exceeding human capabilities.

Speed can be crucial in emergencies, enabling faster decision-making and potentially life-saving interventions. Additionally, AI has proven its accuracy in diagnosing diseases, from common conditions to rare disorders, detecting anomalies that humans might miss.

Diagnostic errors are a persistent concern in healthcare. AI systems, when properly trained and validated, can significantly reduce these errors, as the elements of fatigue or cognitive bias do not exist in this equation, enhancing the overall quality of medical decisions.

By integrating patient information with extensive medical databases and clinical guidelines, AI can help identify potential issues and ensure no aspect is overlooked. This leads to more reliable diagnostics and treatment plans.

AI-supported diagnostics also facilitate the transition to personalized medicine. They can analyze a patient’s genetic makeup, lifestyle, and medical history to create personalized treatment plans.

This personalization ensures patients receive the most effective treatments with fewer side effects. It also improves medication management and dosage. 

AI has been applied in the fields of radiology and medical imaging, including X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. Radiologists can benefit from AI assistance in detecting abnormalities, even in complex cases.

It is important to emphasize that AI is not intended to replace healthcare professionals. Instead, it should be viewed as a supportive tool. AI assists doctors and radiologists by providing data-driven insights, enabling them to make more informed decisions.

Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in AI-assisted diagnostics technology. Its “Eyenai” project is a collaborative effort involving the Saudi Data and AI Authority, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Lean Business Services, and the Saudi Company for Artificial Intelligence.

Developed by Saudi engineers and AI specialists, the project represents a pioneering solution in the field of ocular healthcare, using AI to accurately identify diabetic retinopathy. It relies on advanced analytics and smart algorithms to streamline and accelerate screening processes, overcoming challenges such as limited resources, examination time, and high costs.

Dr. Adi Al-Owaifeer, an ophthalmology consultant and head of the administrative committee for the Eyenai project, said that the initiative embodies the spirit of innovation and collaboration in Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system.

He also highlighted the importance of developing this solution to facilitate screening processes, increase accuracy, and treat as many individuals as possible.

The healthcare industry must work collaboratively with AI developers, regulators and policymakers to overcome these hurdles and pave the way for a more efficient, patient-centric system.

Abeer Alamrani

Microsoft recently introduced a suite of AI tools designed to help healthcare organizations access and enhance learning from data. In addition, Google has announced the development of an AI-powered tool to make it easier for professionals to search for health information.

Although AI can improve patient outcomes, increase efficiency, and reduce costs, integrating it into healthcare is not without its challenges.

First, AI systems require access to a vast number of patient records, raising concerns about privacy and security. Healthcare institutions must therefore implement robust measures to protect patient information from data breaches and cyberattacks.

Second, AI relies on high-quality, organized data for training and decision-making purposes. However, healthcare data can be unstructured, fragmented, or inconsistent, making it difficult for AI algorithms to derive meaningful insights.

Third, AI algorithms can inherit biases present in training data, which may lead to inaccurate decisions. Developing methods to identify and mitigate bias remains an ongoing challenge in AI ethics.

Fourth, obtaining regulatory approvals for AI-based medical devices and solutions can be a lengthy and complex process. Balancing innovation with regulatory compliance is a major challenge that healthcare companies must address.

Fifth, AI applications raise ethical questions, particularly regarding patient privacy, consent and transparency. Patients must be informed about how their data will be used and should have the right to opt out, and ethical guidelines should be developed.

Sixth, gaining the trust of healthcare professionals and patients is a significant challenge. AI systems must undergo strict clinical validation to prove their safety and efficacy, which can be a long and resource-intensive process.

Seventh, AI in healthcare requires substantial investments in technology, training and staffing. Healthcare providers must allocate resources for AI adoption and ongoing maintenance.

In conclusion, AI has the potential to bring about transformative changes to healthcare. However, addressing these challenges is essential to fully harness its benefits while ensuring patient safety, data security and ethical use.

The healthcare industry must work collaboratively with AI developers, regulators and policymakers to overcome these hurdles and pave the way for a more efficient, patient-centric system.

Abeer Alamrani is a machine learning, data analysis, and AI implementation consultant who helps organizations leverage AI to optimize operations, enhance decision-making, and achieve business goals.
 

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News' point of view

Pakistanis hailed for helping rescue children during gas pipeline blast in Malaysia

Pakistanis hailed for helping rescue children during gas pipeline blast in Malaysia
Updated 1 min 56 sec ago
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Pakistanis hailed for helping rescue children during gas pipeline blast in Malaysia

Pakistanis hailed for helping rescue children during gas pipeline blast in Malaysia
  • Some people jumped into a nearby river to escape the heat and danger of the blast but began to struggle
  • Pakistani men visiting the area dived in to help those who were nearly swept away by the current

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani nationals were among the first responders who rescued children from drowning in Malaysia after a gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights this week, Malaysia’s New Straits Times reported, with witnesses describing their role as swift and selfless.

The rescue took place on Thursday morning after a gas pipeline explosion in the Putra Heights area. As some residents attempted to cross a nearby river to escape the heat and danger from the blast, several individuals, including children, began to struggle in the water.

Pakistani men visiting the area, along with local residents, entered the river to assist those in difficulty.

“We saw that people were calling for help,” said Amir Nawab, 48, one of the Pakistani men involved in the rescue. “When we reached the scene, one of my friends jumped into the river. We saw children struggling in the water and feared they might be swept away by the current.”

Another rescuer, Jaaffar Ali, also from Pakistan, said he acted instinctively when he saw people in distress.

“I saw people who needed help and just acted. I'm thankful they were all saved,” the Malaysian newspaper quoted him as saying.

Similar acts involving Pakistani nationals have been reported in recent months, including during flood rescues in the UAE and an incident in Germany where a Pakistani taxi driver helped save residents from a house fire.

Ahmad Syawal Hassan, a Malaysian resident of Kampung Sri Aman, said he heard the children crying out and was among the first to jump in.

“More people were trying to cross the river at the time. Some had suffered burns. We helped them all get to safety,” he said.


Emery glad to see Rashford make landmark appearance

Emery glad to see Rashford make landmark appearance
Updated 1 min 32 sec ago
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Emery glad to see Rashford make landmark appearance

Emery glad to see Rashford make landmark appearance
  • “Happy for him,” Emery said
  • “Happy because he is achieving individual objectives as well, with these appearances he is doing, playing matches here with us”

LONDON: Aston Villa manager Unai Emery said he was “happy” for Marcus Rashford as the England forward prepares to make his 500th career appearance.
Rashford has undergone something of an on-field revival since joining the Birmingham club on loan from Manchester United, with the England forward scoring three goals in his last two Villa outings.
He is now set to make his 12th appearance for Emery’s side at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, having made 426 appearances for United in total and won 62 caps for England.
“Happy for him,” Emery said. “Happy because he is achieving individual objectives as well, with these appearances he is doing, playing matches here with us.
“And try to enjoy with him, not more, try to feel comfortable himself every day here, with everything we are doing and with his team-mates.
“Training, playing and of course with the challenges we have together, to try to achieve, and to play in his best form, qualities, skills and confidence.”
Villa are chasing a seventh straight win in all competitions against high-flying Midlands rivals Forest as they aim to continue an impressive season.
They reached the FA Cup semifinals with victory at Preston on Sunday, and Wednesday’s 3-0 win at Brighton lifted them to within four points of the top four with eight games to play.
Spanish manager Emery could have a full-strength squad to face Forest, with Ross Barkley recovering from a long-term knee injury and Leon Bailey set for a late fitness test.
Emery said having returning players available again would be vital to how Villa finished the season, adding: “We don’t have now time to explain a lot about how we are, and how we are playing a lot of matches now being very, very important in Premier League, in Champions League and in FA Cup.
“Of course, the players now, we are recovering players, we are feeling stronger.
“We were in some moments in the season with some players injured, with some players not feeling physically good.
“We were struggling sometimes and not achieving the objective we were facing in that moment.
“Of course now, with the players we have more or less available for (Saturday’s) match, or the match we play before, I’m happy because my plan is to try to extend 90 minutes competing in the demands we have, and the demands (of) the opponent facing us.”


WHO sounds alarm over surging global cholera cases in 2025

WHO sounds alarm over surging global cholera cases in 2025
Updated 15 min 31 sec ago
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WHO sounds alarm over surging global cholera cases in 2025

WHO sounds alarm over surging global cholera cases in 2025
  • Dr. Philippe Barboza, cholera team lead at the WHO, said that more than 100,000 cases and 1,300 deaths have already been reported globally in the first few months of 2025

GENEVA: The World Health Organization has raised serious concerns over a sharp global rise in cholera infections and deaths, warning that the disease is spreading to new regions and threatening vulnerable populations already burdened by conflict and climate-related crises.

Speaking in Geneva on Friday, Dr. Philippe Barboza, cholera team lead at the WHO, said that more than 100,000 cases and 1,300 deaths have already been reported globally in the first few months of 2025.

Preliminary data from 2024 revealed 810,000 cases and 5,900 deaths, which marked a significant increase compared to 2023. However, Barboza cautioned that the actual numbers are likely higher due to incomplete reporting.

“Cholera should not exist in the 21st century,” he said. “Yet it is now spreading to countries where it had never been present before, such as Namibia and Kenya.”

In several countries, the case fatality rate has exceeded 1 percent, with Angola standing out as particularly hard-hit.

Barboza, who recently returned from the country, reported a fatality rate of over 4 percent, and warned of the disease’s rapid spread within Angola and to neighboring nations.

Angola currently accounts for 36 percent of all global cholera cases reported in 2025.

The WHO and its partners have responded by dispatching rapid deployment teams, setting up treatment facilities, and conducting staff training across affected regions.

Elsewhere, Myanmar has reported 12,000 acute cholera cases since July 2024, while Haiti is grappling with an outbreak but lacks the necessary funding to manage it effectively.

Barboza emphasized the compounded impact of armed conflict and climate change in accelerating the spread of cholera, stressing the need for joint action and sustained investment to prevent further outbreaks.

As of late March, the WHO had 5.6 million treatment doses stockpiled for emergency responses. However, soaring global demand highlights the urgent need for expanded vaccine production, with Barboza saying: “Cholera should not be killing anyone in the 21st century.”


Pakistan detains hundreds of Afghans as allegations of bribery, unlawful arrests surface

Pakistan detains hundreds of Afghans as allegations of bribery, unlawful arrests surface
Updated 27 min 24 sec ago
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Pakistan detains hundreds of Afghans as allegations of bribery, unlawful arrests surface

Pakistan detains hundreds of Afghans as allegations of bribery, unlawful arrests surface
  • The government announced a March 31 deadline for ACC holders to leave the country or face deportation
  • Spokesperson for the Afghan government says Kabul is ready to welcome repatriated refugee families

KARACHI: Pakistani police have detained hundreds of Afghan refugees holding Afghan Citizen Cards (ACCs) across the country, with activists claiming Friday the authorities are also rounding up refugees exempt from the current deportation round, though the government denies the allegation.
According to UN data, Pakistan hosts more than 2.8 million Afghan nationals who crossed the porous border in a desperate attempt to escape decades of war and instability in their home country.
Around 1.3 million of them are formally registered as refugees and hold Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, which grant them legal protections. Another 800,000 Afghans possess ACCs, a separate identity document issued by the Pakistani government that recognizes them as Afghan nationals without offering refugee status. Last month, the government announced that ACC holders must leave Pakistan by March 31 or face deportation.
Since the start of April, police crackdowns have been reported in different Pakistani cities, though the federal authorities have not released any data on the recent detentions. The provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which borders Afghanistan, have said that 193 ACC holders have been deported from Peshawar.
“In Karachi, more than 100 PoR card holders have been detained, some of whom we managed to get released,” human rights activist Moniza Kakar, who is monitoring the process, told Arab News.
“Similarly, a large number of refugees with legal status have been detained for bribes in different cities of Punjab and the capital Islamabad,” she added.
The ongoing Afghan repatriation process is part of a broader drive launched in 2023, which has so far seen more than 800,000 Afghans expelled.
Pakistani authorities maintain Afghan nationals have been involved in militant attacks and organized crime, accusations Kabul denies.
The crackdown began amid a surge in violence in Pakistan by armed groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), whose leaders Islamabad claims are based in Afghanistan, a charge rejected by the Taliban administration.
Asked about the claims of an indiscriminate crackdown against Afghan nationals, Qadir Yar Tiwana, Director General of Media at the Ministry of Interior, refuted these allegations.
“No PoR card holders have been arrested,” he told Arab News over the phone. “If anyone possessing a PoR card is detained during the process, they are immediately released after verification of their credentials.”
Tiwana said the operation was only targeting “illegal immigrants” and was ongoing.
He added that detailed data on arrests and deportations would be shared at a later stage.
Requests for comment from the Sindh home minister and the Karachi Police chief went unanswered.
Hajji Abdullah Shah Bukhari, chairman of Afghan refugees in Sindh, agreed with Tiwana.
“Over 300 ACC holders have been detained in Karachi,” he said. “They [the police] are also taking some PoR card holders, but they [the refugees] are set free once their credentials are verified.”
Kakar, however, said this was only done after these refugees bribed the police.
“Hundreds of registered PoR card holders have contacted us saying they have been arrested and bribes were demanded of them,” she asserted.
Muzaffar Shah, a resident of Islamabad, corroborated these accounts, saying numerous refugees holding PoR cards had been taken from his neighborhood despite showing police their identity.
“The UNHCR is silent, the Taliban are quiet and the government of Pakistan is quiet, while poor refugees are facing hardship,” Shah, himself a registered refugee, said over the phone, referring to governmental functionaries and officials of the UN refugee agency.
Rahmatullah Jan, a refugee in Karachi, recalled being picked up alongside ACC holders in the Sohrab Goth area.
“Despite immediately presenting my PoR card to the raiding police, I was still taken to the station before eventually being released,” he said.
Spokespersons for the UNHCR and the consul general of Afghanistan in Karachi did not respond to requests for comment.
However, Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Afghan government, agreed to address the issue over the phone.
“We expressed the desire that refugees should not be forced, but rather be left to make their own choice,” he said. “We have also urged Afghan refugees to return to their homeland, and we will welcome them.”


Kurdish fighters leave northern city in Syria as part of deal with central government

Kurdish fighters leave northern city in Syria as part of deal with central government
Updated 04 April 2025
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Kurdish fighters leave northern city in Syria as part of deal with central government

Kurdish fighters leave northern city in Syria as part of deal with central government
  • The fighters left the predominantly Kurdish northern neighborhoods of Sheikh Maksoud and Achrafieh
  • The deal is a boost to an agreement reached last month

ALEPPO, Syria: Scores of US-backed Kurdish fighters left two neighborhoods in the Syrian Arab Republic’s northern city of Aleppo Friday as part of a deal with the central government in Damascus, which is expanding its authority in the country.
The fighters left the predominantly Kurdish northern neighborhoods of Sheikh Maksoud and Achrafieh, which had been under the control of Kurdish fighters in Aleppo over the past decade.
The deal is a boost to an agreement reached last month between Syria’s interim government and the Kurdish-led authority that controls the country’s northeast. The deal could eventually lead to the merger of the main US-backed force in Syria into the Syrian army.
The withdrawal of fighters from the US-backed and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces came a day after dozens of prisoners from both sides were freed in Aleppo, Syria’s largest city.
Syria’s state news agency, SANA, reported that government forces were deployed along the road that SDF fighters will use to move between Aleppo and areas east of the Euphrates River, where the Kurdish-led force controls nearly a quarter of Syria.
Sheikh Maksoud and Achrafieh had been under SDF control since 2015 and remained so even when forces of ousted President Bashar Assad captured Aleppo in late 2016. The two neighborhoods remained under SDF control when forces loyal to current interim President Ahmad Al-Sharaa captured the city in November, and days later captured the capital, Damascus, removing Assad from power.
After being marginalized for decades under the rule of the Assad family rule, the deal signed last month promises Syria’s Kurds “constitutional rights,” including using and teaching their language, which were banned for decades.
Hundreds of thousands of Kurds, who were displaced during Syria’s nearly 14-year civil war, will return to their homes. Thousands of Kurds living in Syria who have been deprived of nationality for decades under Assad will be given the right of citizenship, according to the agreement.
Kurds made up 10 percent of the country’s prewar population of 23 million. Kurdish leaders say they don’t want full autonomy with their own government and parliament. They want decentralization and room to run their day-to day-affairs.