Imagine, somewhere in the near future, a patient walks into a clinic in a rural community in South Africa.
While they're waiting to see a doctor, they go to a self-service AI assistant kiosk that pulls up their medical history, recent symptoms and vital signs from a wearable device they’ve been using. The AI offers a preliminary diagnosis within minutes, suggesting further tests or treatments to guide the clinician's final decisions. In the doctor's consultation room, supported by the AI’s insights, the doctor has more time to focus on the patient’s specific needs, providing a human touch that no technology could replace. In the background, AI systems monitor local health trends in real-time, alerting clinics to outbreaks or resource shortages ensuring care remains proactive and efficient.
For most South Africans, our current reality is somewhat different to this smooth-sailing, technologically-powered diagnostics experience. In fact, the availability of critical diagnostic services throughout Africa remains critically low. According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, among 10 low- and middle-income countries surveyed (including seven African countries), the median availability of diagnostics was 19·1% in basic primary care facilities, 49·2% in advanced primary care facilities and 68·4% in hospitals.
In rural and underserved areas, deep-rooted health disparities are even more striking. The figures highlight the urgent need for new ideas, innovative funding models and strategic public-private partnerships that streamline routes to diagnostics and associated care for patients. With artificial intelligence (AI) at the heart of transformative change in multiple industries, why not healthcare? Research shared by Exploding Topics on AI adoption values the global AI market at around $391 billion—an increase of around $195 billion since 2023. In healthcare, it's already there—and growing rapidly.
According to Gartner, around two in five medical professionals now use computer systems to aid diagnosis, and 38% of medical providers use computer systems as their diagnosis assistants. In a continent where access to quality healthcare is often uneven, AI could help close some of the gaps and deliver life-changing solutions by improving disease detection's speed, accuracy and efficiency.
AI-powered diagnostic tools have already proven their worth in areas like radiology, where they analyse medical images to identify diseases such as cancer earlier and more accurately than traditional methods. These tools are particularly valuable in under-resourced settings, where they can reduce diagnostic bottlenecks and provide clinicians with critical insights in real-time. Plus, AI-driven platforms can tailor treatment plans to individual patients, enhancing care and saving lives.
The potential of AI in diagnostics goes beyond clinical settings. Digital tools like mobile apps and wearable technology can guide patients through complex healthcare systems, providing accessible information, scheduling support, and remote monitoring. In regions with limited access to specialists, AI can act as a bridge, ensuring patients receive timely care without the need for extensive travel or delays—particularly in rural settings, where smartphone adoption is steadily on the rise.
However, realising AI’s promise in Africa’s healthcare systems has its challenges. Infrastructure gaps, high implementation costs and the need for specialised training and education—for healthcare professionals and patients, respectively—hinder widespread adoption. There’s also the critical issue of ensuring ethical AI practices and overcoming healthcare regulatory hurdles.
Addressing these challenges requires collaboration. Partnerships between governments, healthcare organisations and AI-savvy technology innovators can ensure that AI is deployed equitably and effectively. Alliances bringing technical expertise, resources and local insights together could drive the sustainable change Africa needs—and soon.
AI has transformed multiple industries almost overnight. Healthcare should be leveraging the technology to build systems that works for everyone, even if they stay in remote areas. As these technologies mature, they have the potential to empower communities and healthcare professionals as catalyst for a healthier, more equitable future.
I invite our readers to share their thoughts on the role AI might play in healthcare's future via email at justin@eiapublishing.co.za.
