ISLAMABAD: Pakistan faces a growing health burden, with nearly half of its households affected by chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension.
A recent Gallup Pakistan survey revealed that 21% of households reported high blood pressure and 20% reported diabetes among their members.
With the country holding the world’s highest age-standardized diabetes prevalence rate at 31.4%, health experts emphasize the urgent need for early detection and management to reduce complications and costs.
Current State of AI in Healthcare
While artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare globally by enabling early diagnosis and personalized treatment, its adoption in Pakistan remains limited.
Presently, AI health technologies in the country are mostly confined to basic applications like chatbots that connect patients with doctors based on symptom inputs.
Advanced AI uses such as diagnostic algorithms and predictive analytics are rare due to factors like privacy concerns, high implementation costs, and skepticism over accuracy.
Challenges and Opportunities
Experts including Shahzad Arshad, Chairman of WISPAP, believe AI-powered healthcare could revolutionize chronic disease management by offering remote consultations and tailored care.
However, obstacles remain: reluctance to share medical data, lack of research infrastructure, and a shortage of specialized roles in university hospitals hinder AI development.
Professor Dr Muhammad Ali of Dr Ziauddin Hospital highlights the need for improved data governance and investment in training and infrastructure to unlock AI’s potential in Pakistan’s healthcare system.
Embracing AI-driven solutions could be a game changer for Pakistan, helping to improve access, affordability, and outcomes in the fight against chronic diseases.
