AI in healthcare: Empowering doctors, enhancing patient care

AI has already reshaped our world, and we're on the brink of an era where it plays an even bigger role—especially in healthcare. The impact of AI on hospitals has been a hot topic for years, and for good reason. Its efficiency, accuracy, and ability to assist medical professionals are transforming patient care in ways we could only dream of before.

Take medical diagnoses, for example. AI has revolutionised pathology and radiology, making it easier to detect diseases at an early stage. AI-powered imaging systems can spot abnormalities in CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays with remarkable precision. 

This means faster and more accurate diagnoses for conditions like cancer, fractures, and neurological disorders. For the doctors, it's a game-changer—reducing their workload while ensuring better patient outcomes, especially in critical cases.

Then there's AI-driven robotic surgery, which has completely changed the landscape of medical procedures. These advanced systems assist surgeons with incredible precision, minimising complications and cutting down recovery times. 

In complex surgeries, AI helps doctors plan by analysing patient data and predicting potential risks. The result? Safer surgeries, fewer errors, and a smoother experience for both patients and medical professionals.

Another major breakthrough is in drug discovery. Finding new medicines used to take years, but AI can now sift through massive databases, identifying promising drug candidates much faster. 

Pharmaceutical companies can analyse chemical compounds and predict how they'll interact, speeding up the development of life-saving treatments.

AI is also driving the future of personalised medicine. By analysing a patient's genetic makeup, medical history, and current health, AI can recommend tailor-made treatment plans. This is especially crucial for chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, where a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn't work.

At the heart of it all, AI reduces human error and builds confidence in medical decisions. It doesn't replace doctors but enhances their ability to provide top-notch care. As AI continues to evolve, its role in healthcare will only grow, bringing us closer to a world where precision, efficiency, and patient well-being go hand in hand.

Since there is a lot of paperwork, appointments, billing, and patient databases, processing them without AI takes time. But AI can help take care of these tasks and save time. It ensures that hospital work is faster and without any mistakes.
When these things are taken care of, doctors and nurses can focus on patient care dedicatedly. AI can schedule appointments so doctors and nurses don't have to waste time on that. It can automatically process medical bills without any errors.

On the other hand, AI can analyse a patient's medical history quickly. After comparing it with present syndromes, it can predict if the patient is at risk of serious illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, etc. 

AI is changing the way healthcare works, making it smarter, faster, and more personalised. By analysing past medical records. It can spot patterns in diseases and alert doctors if a patient's condition starts to worsen. This allows doctors to step in early—before the illness becomes serious. Patients also benefit from tailored care based on their individual health risks, ensuring a more proactive approach to treatment.

Hospitals are also using AI to reduce infections in innovative ways. AI-powered cameras can monitor whether doctors and nurses are washing their hands properly, helping to prevent the spread of disease. By analysing patient data, AI can even predict where and when an infection might break out, allowing medical teams to take action before it spreads further.

At Labaid, we are witnessing a major transformation in hospital resource management, thanks to AI. Smart tracking systems are helping us distribute essential resources like hospital beds, medical equipment, and medicines more efficiently. 

This ensures that shortages are avoided and resources are available where they are needed most.

AI is also playing a crucial role in safeguarding hospital equipment. With AI-powered inventory management, the risk of equipment loss or theft is significantly reduced. This means our medical staff can focus on what truly matters—providing exceptional patient care without being bogged down by administrative concerns.

Beyond logistics, AI is making strides in mental health support. By analysing speech patterns, heart rate, and sleep data, AI can detect early signs of stress, anxiety, or depression. 

AI-driven tools then offer personalised coping strategies and timely support, working alongside traditional therapy to improve mental well-being.

We are taking AI-driven healthcare a step further with the development of Labaid GPT, an AI-powered second-opinion platform. As the first of its kind in Asia, it will allow doctors to upload cases for AI-generated insights while also enabling patients to report symptoms and receive preliminary assessments. 

The platform is designed with strict medical guidelines to ensure accuracy while reinforcing the importance of professional consultations.

Scheduled for launch in early 2025, Labaid GPT aims to bridge gaps in healthcare accessibility, particularly in areas with a low doctor-to-patient ratio. Operating on a subscription model, it will enhance medical decision-making and integrate seamlessly with Labaid's cancer hospital, cardiac centre, and LifePlus telemedicine services.

With AI transforming every aspect of healthcare—from early diagnosis and hospital management to mental health support and accessibility—we are entering an era where technology is not replacing doctors but empowering them to provide better care than ever before.

Sakif Shamim is the managing director at Labaid Cancer Hospital and Super Speciality Center. 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.