Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health has become the region’s first healthcare entity to develop a policy covering artificial intelligence.
Controls are being placed on the rise of the robots in the new policy, which means all healthcare providers, drug producers, researchers and insurers must now comply with the regulations set out by the capital.
The move is said to be essential as artificial intelligence begins to dominate fast-paced technological innovations in the industry.
“The true path to the development of the emirate’s healthcare systems and services is through artificial intelligence,” said Mohamed Al Hameli, acting undersecretary of Department of Health, Abu Dhabi.
“With the policy on the use of artificial intelligence, we will not only provide the best of quality healthcare services to our people by using the best international practices and technologies, but will cement Abu Dhabi’s standing on the global artificial intelligence map.”
Dubai has recently seen many artificial intelligence-powered startups come into play in the healthcare sector. Artificial intelligence can play a central role in improving evidence-based quality of care, efficiency, effectiveness, safety, access and delivery of healthcare services.
It is also becoming crucial to develop all types of population and patient research.
AI is set to boost the UAE economy by $182 billion by 2035, according to a report by global consulting services firm Accenture, with finance the biggest beneficiary – closely followed by the health care, transport and storage industries.
The new policy applies to all DOH-licensed healthcare providers, pharmaceutical manufacturers based in Abu Dhabi, healthcare insurers and licensed healthcare researchers involved in human subject research.
Any healthcare companies using Abu Dhabi population data in AI also must comply.
