Forum: Tailoring AI Tools to Address Singapore’s Healthcare Requirements

In the article “AI to help doctors predict disease risk in next phase of Healthier SG,” Health Minister Ong Ye Kung outlines plans to use artificial intelligence (AI) in Singapore’s public healthcare. While this initiative is commendable, gastroenterologist Dr. Desmond Wai raises several concerns. He notes that many AI tools are trained on data from outside Singapore, which may not be suitable for the local population. There is a lack of effective head-to-head comparisons among similar AI tools, making it difficult to determine the best option. Additionally, the high costs associated with these tools can increase healthcare expenses, ultimately affecting patients. Moreover, doctors remain accountable for any errors made by AI, which do not assume responsibility for inaccuracies. Dr. Wai argues that locally developed and validated AI systems are essential and should be subsidized for broader accessibility in Singapore’s healthcare landscape.

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