MINISTER of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, said artificial intelligence (AI) systems being utilised in the public healthcare system are significantly improving patient outcomes.
Speaking on the ‘Starting Point’ Podcast on Sunday, he explained that the AI systems are currently being used at five hospitals to interpret X-rays.
Some of the features of the modern digital X-ray unit —
“When you do a digital X-ray, it goes to the system, the system thinks for about 20 seconds, and tell you whether it is normal or abnormal.
If it is abnormal, it will think for another minute, and it will give you a tentative diagnosis,” Dr Anthony explained.
The minister said the AI software is capable of identifying possible diagnoses, measurements, dimensions and other abnormalities from medical images.
He noted that the system can also read CT scans and MRIs as the ministry expands the use of advanced diagnostic technology across the healthcare system.
“The use of the technology is helping us to significantly improve outcome for patients,” Minister Anthony emphasised.
The minister added that the AI system can detect details that medical professionals may sometimes find difficult to identify.
“They can perceive things that humans would have a challenge finding and the system that we are using is about 99 per cent accurate.”
However, he noted that radiologists will continue reviewing the scans to ensure accuracy and strengthen diagnostics.
The health minister also announced plans to expand the technology to all public health facilities equipped with digital X-ray machines.
“We have contracted the company to implement it,” he said.
Minister Anthony added that all analogue X-ray machines have already been removed from the public healthcare system and replaced with top-of-the-line digital technology to aid in this effort. (DPI)