The adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics within the healthcare industry in Saudi Arabia is increasing rapidly. With its Vision 2030 plan to diversify the country’s economy, AI and robotics have emerged as the key technologies to enhance healthcare services, improve patient outcomes and promote innovation. Mohammed Aldousari, Regional Robotics Lead, PROVEN Robotics, tells us more.
AI and robotics in healthcare
Embracing the transformative power of robotics and AI in healthcare is undeniably daunting, yet the potential benefits for healthcare recipients and providers are immense. According to a 2017 PwC study, most consumers are willing to receive care from these cutting-edge technologies, recognising their capacity to revolutionise healthcare delivery, making it more efficient, prompt and accessible to all.
As the Saudi Government takes proactive measures to bolster employment opportunities for its citizens, the looming impact of robotics and AI in the job market cannot be ignored. There is a firm belief that the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, has the potential to leapfrog ahead of other nations in these groundbreaking technologies.
When contemplating the future of robotics and AI, many need help to understand the vast possibilities and opportunities that AI brings to our world. As AI becomes integral to everyday life, previously inaccessible services will become universally available. Experts in the field assert that the nation can ascend to global leadership in this technology by embracing AI and robotics in the Saudi healthcare sector. This not only addresses gaps in healthcare provision that may be challenging to fill with traditional workforce solutions but also stands as a testament to the inherent superiority of these advanced technologies.
The drive for AI and robotics initiatives
The need for digitisation initiatives in Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system arises from various factors. The growing population, increased life expectancy and prevalence of chronic diseases have put pressure on healthcare resources. To address these challenges, the government is leveraging AI and robotics to streamline processes, optimise resource allocation and improve patient care outcomes.
The introduction of telemedicine services, AI-powered diagnostics and robotic assistance in hospitals has helped manage the crisis more effectively while minimising the risk of transmission. Some key findings emerged in a 2017 survey by PWC conducted on the urban representatives of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
Key findings
The findings revealed three key themes:
- People are growing willing to interact with AI and robots, driven by the prospect of enhanced access to healthcare.
- The swiftness and precision of diagnosis and treatment emerge as pivotal factors influencing this willingness.
- Trust in technology plays a crucial role in fostering broader acceptance and adoption; the human element remains integral to the healthcare experience.
The survey delved into the respondents’ attitudes towards AI and robotic involvement in healthcare, even in the operating room. A noteworthy percentage, ranging from nearly half to as high as 73%, expressed a willingness to allow a robot to perform minor surgical procedures instead of a human doctor. In the Middle East, this openness varied from 50% in the UAE to 55% in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Reasons behind willingness and unwillingness
The research also explored the primary drivers influencing individuals’ willingness or unwillingness to embrace AI-enabled or robotic healthcare procedures or services. The predominant motivations for acceptance were the desire for easier and quicker access to healthcare services (36%) and the need for speedy and accurate diagnoses (33%). Conversely, distrust in robots’ decision-making capabilities (47%) and a perceived absence of the human touch (41%) were identified as the primary reasons for reluctance. While the percentages varied among countries, these top two advantages and disadvantages were consistently ranked in the same order across all nations, except for Saudi Arabia and Qatar, where respondents highlighted the lack of human touch as the most significant disadvantage.
Impact on healthcare innovation in Saudi Arabia
The digitisation of healthcare in Saudi Arabia will profoundly impact innovation. AI-powered technologies enable accurate diagnosis, early detection of diseases and personalised treatment plans. Making proactive healthcare interventions using machine learning algorithms is possible by analysing vast amounts of patient data and identifying patterns.
Integrating robots into healthcare settings can automate mundane and repetitive tasks, allowing healthcare professionals to prioritize more complex patient care activities. Robotic-assisted surgeries, for example, provide greater precision, shorter recovery times and fewer complications.
Robotics and AI in medical laboratories
AI is revolutionising global healthcare and is poised to transform laboratory medicine. Its applications in streamlining processes, aiding diagnoses and enhancing result interpretation bring precision and efficiency to analytical workflows. As Machine Learning evolves, personalised precision medicine becomes more widespread, with AI facilitating the identification of tailored drug treatments.
In parallel, robotics rapidly integrates into medical laboratories, supporting complex surgeries and sample processing tasks. The synergy of robotics and AI boosts efficiency, quality and precision in laboratory processes, improving overall quality of life and reducing the risk of life-threatening illnesses.
The role of AI and robotics in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
As part of its Vision 2030 plan, the Kingdom has identified digital transformation and innovation as essential pillars for economic growth. AI forms a crucial component of this plan, with the government recognising its potential to revolutionise the healthcare sector. By integrating AI and robotics into healthcare practices, Saudi Arabia aims to enhance patient care, increase efficiency, reduce costs and foster innovation.
The future of Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector
The future looks promising as Saudi Arabia continues to embrace AI and robotics in healthcare. The integration of these technologies will lead to increased accessibility to healthcare services and improved efficiency across the entire healthcare system.
Furthermore, partnerships between the public and private sectors, as well as collaborations with international organisations and technology companies, will play a crucial role in driving innovation and knowledge-sharing in the healthcare sector.
In conclusion, the widespread adoption of AI and robotics in Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system is set to revolutionise healthcare delivery, drive economic growth and position the country as a global leader in healthcare innovation.