Artificial intelligence is rapidly weaving itself into the fabric of everyday life, and we are starting to see the impact as AI adoption across different fields such as healthcare changes how we live and work.
One area where AI adoption is set to drive exponential impact is healthcare, where it’s expected that AI will enable delivery of differentiated solutions and services that are fitted to unique ecosystems.
The adoption of AI is not merely about enhancing technology in clinics and hospitals, it is redefining what is possible from manufacturing to delivery of care, to improving health outcomes, and enhancing system-wide efficiencies.
By unlocking data-driven insights alongside innovative tech usage, AI empowers healthcare professionals to make better decisions, reach underserved communities, and create sustainable solutions that could shift the trajectory of healthcare for generations to come.
Its impact will enable healthier populations to thrive and set the stage for a more inclusive and equitable future.
Transforming the fabric of healthcare
The call for transformative advancements in Kenyan healthcare has never been more urgent.
Access to quality, affordable healthcare continues to be a pressing challenge across the continent, particularly for those in rural and remote areas where facilities are there are fewer facilities, and not easily accessible.
Nearly one-sixth of Africa’s population lives more than two hours away from a public hospital, and even within urban centres, lack of resources and funding often results in long waits and compromised care.
But we’re increasingly seeing how AI has the potential to change all this.
In fact, the integration of advanced technology into Kenya’s healthcare landscape will redefine everything from the quality of patient care to resource allocation and the financial sustainability of healthcare systems.
Studies highlight how embracing digital tools on a broad scale could unlock billions in healthcare savings.
From virtual interactions to intelligent decision-making systems and streamlined workflow automation, AI-powered advancements are set to streamline every aspect of healthcare.
Savings generated could then be strategically reinvested to bridge gaps in healthcare accessibility and create a future where equitable, high-quality care is within reach for all Kenyans.
Essential infrastructure is a critical starting point
The question is – how do we bridge the gap between today’s challenges and a future where AI transforms
healthcare? It calls for targeted investments in infrastructure, forward-thinking regulations, localised AI
adaptations, and a concerted effort to build essential skillsets.
Let’s delve into two critical barriers that warrant immediate attention, starting with the absence of core infrastructure, a challenge that continues to stall progress for service providers across the country.
Access to reliable electricity isn’t just a convenience; it’s an indispensable foundation for achieving universal healthcare in Kenya and beyond.
Investments geared towards solving the connectivity challenge will go a long way in helping to provide a basic level of healthcare. But connectivity isn’t just about bridging the digital divide; it’s also a foundational step toward enabling AI adoption. Think of AI as the engine, and datacentres and compute resources as the fuel.
Without robust infrastructure, the potential of AI in healthcare remains out of reach.
Phyllis Migwi is the country lead at Microsoft Kenya
