AI will not replace healthcare professionals, it will ‘amplify their impact'
7 May 2025 00:59
TAARIQ HALIM (ABU DHABI)Burjeel Holdings has emphasised that artificial intelligence (AI) is there to 'amplify the impact of healthcare professionals, not replace them,' with the goal of streamlining operations and enhancing the patient experience.The proliferation of AI has seen the transformation of industries and economies — with the automation of tasks, functions and jobs previously performed manually by workers.The healthcare sector is no exception. At the recent Abu Dhabi Global Health Week, leading UAE healthcare group Burjeel announced an innovative partnership with pioneering US-based firm Hippocratic AI, aimed at revolutionising healthcare by employing generative AI 'agents'.Generative AI is a category of AI techniques in which algorithms are trained on data sets that can be used to generate new content, such as text, audio or video.These 'agents' will be able to engage in 'natural, safety-focused, human-like conversations' through the integration of 'multilingual, empathy-driven' AI, Burjeel said.
Functions of AI AgentsThe AI would perform clinical and administrative functions, delivering 'real-time, culturally aware support across a wide range of patient touchpoints, including appointment scheduling, patient education, health risk assessments, and follow-up check-ins.' Hippocratic AI's agents are versed in over 15 languages, including Spanish, Mandarin, and Vietnamese, as well as localised dialects like Emirati Arabic.The AI will be deployed across key specialities, such as oncology, cardiology, neurology, and orthopaedics.Burjeel said the capabilities of the agents extended beyond mere chatbot conversations.'The technology goes far beyond basic chatbot interactions, supporting a wide range of functions. Examples include conversational outreach on care gap closure for underserved communities, ongoing check-ins and patient education for chronic conditions, medication adherence support, including refill reminders and education. 'In many cases, this outreach would not have been possible before due to clinician shortages. Hippocratic AI helps augment clinicians where and when it's needed most,' said Michelle Machon, Chief Nursing Officer, Nursing Professional Development at Burjeel.
Empathetic AI Agents The vision for the collaboration is to harness cutting-edge technology to deliver 'hyper-personalised, compassionate' care, according to John Sunil, Group CEO of Burjeel Holdings. But is it possible for tech to be empathetic? Munjal Shah, Co-Founder and CEO of Hippocratic AI, added: 'Our empathic genAI agents are designed to create a more compassionate and effective patient experience.'But how do you train AI to be 'sensitive' when interacting with human clients? 'Hippocratic AI's generative AI agents have unlimited patience,' explained Machon. 'They never rush a conversation no matter how many questions are asked or how long a response takes. They are non-judgmental. These agents strive to understand the individual, not just the condition. Their empathy shines in sensitive, high-impact moments — whether it's checking in during recovery or offering support during a heat wave or cold snap.'
Ethics and Limitations of AI AgentsA report published by the World Health Organisation, titled 'Ethics and governance of artificial intelligence for health: Guidance on large multi-modal models', outlined the consensus on ethical principles for the use of AI in health.
These included: • Protecting autonomy: Humans should remain in control of healthcare systems and medical decisions. Data privacy and confidentiality to be protected by valid, informed consent through appropriate legal frameworks for data protection. • Promoting human wellbeing, human safety and the public interest: Designers of AI to satisfy regulatory requirements for safety, accuracy and efficacy for well-defined uses or indications. Measures of quality control in the use of AI over time should be available.• Ensuring transparency, 'explainability' and intelligibility: AI technologies should be intelligible or understandable to developers, medical professionals, patients, users, and regulators. • Fostering responsibility and accountability to ensure that AI is used under appropriate conditions and by appropriately trained people. • Ensuring inclusiveness and equity: AI is designed and shared to encourage the widest possible, appropriate, equitable use and access, irrespective of age, sex, income, race, ethnicity, ability or other characteristics. AI to be available for use not only in high-income settings but also in low- and middle-income countries. • Promote AI that is responsive and sustainable: AI technologies to be consistent with the wider promotion of the sustainability of health systems, the environment and workplaces.Machon said Burjeel adopted a safety-first approach in the design of their AI system. And while their health services have seen a marked increase in AI integration, the expertise and accountability of their qualified healthcare professionals remained indispensable and of paramount importance.'Hippocratic AI is deeply committed to safety and clinical appropriateness, in line with the 'Do no harm' value. They do not diagnose, treat, or prescribe. These are complex, high-stakes decisions that require the expertise and accountability of licensed clinicians.
'Generative AI is a force multiplier, augmenting workflows, improving patient adherence, and providing outreach, while respecting the irreplaceable judgment of human caregivers. Hippocratic AI generative AI agents cover patient-facing, non-diagnostic tasks,' she added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
3 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi to host Games of the Future 2025 in December
22 June 2025 14:14 ABU DHABI (WAM)Abu Dhabi is set to host the upcoming edition of Games of the Future in December 2025, following its selection by Phygital International as the first city in the Middle East to stage this global event, and reinforcing the emirate's standing as a leading global hub for innovation in both sports and to the official website of Phygital International, Abu Dhabi was chosen due to its bold vision, cutting-edge infrastructure, and world-class sports venues, making it an ideal location for hosting premier international Abu Dhabi edition will take place over six days at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC), bringing together top global athletes for dynamic competitions blending physical sports and technology-driven video games. Visitors can expect an engaging experience that merges electronic gaming with physical challenges and immersive fan event will be officially organised by Aspire, renowned for its successful track record in event delivery, in collaboration with Ethara, a leading Abu Dhabi-based company known for managing high-profile events with international Al Taher, Secretary-General of the UAE Esports Federation, stated that Abu Dhabi's hosting of this unique event demonstrates its leadership in embracing innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence and technology, placing the emirate at the forefront of global advancement in this added that the Federation is launching several new initiatives to bring the latest developments in esports to players and enthusiasts, including the adoption of the phygital system to enhance player interaction and offer a more holistic sports experience. He also revealed plans to introduce the concept of "phygital" to schools, aligning with the nation's broader digital education Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, said the selection of Abu Dhabi to host Games of the Future 2025 marks a major milestone for the event's global journey. He noted that the choice reflects the confidence placed in Abu Dhabi's capacity to deliver a large-scale, integrated event while further cementing its role as a center for sports and tech Timpano, CEO of Aspire - the innovation arm of the Advanced Technology Research Council in Abu Dhabi - affirmed the importance of supporting Games of the Future 2025 as a global platform where sport, technology and imagination converge. He underlined the growing relevance of this emerging category of competition that blends traditional sports with digital said hosting Games of the Future 2025 reflects the UAE's commitment to shaping the future of sports and technology, while elevating its global innovation inaugural edition of Games of the Future, held in Türkiye in 2024, attracted over 2,000 athletes from 100 countries and drew a crowd of more than 300,000 spectators from around the of the Future is a digital-physical (phygital) sporting event that combines real-world competition with virtual experiences. It features hybrid sports such as physical football and digital shooting, alongside interactive events that blend physical and virtual elements. The upcoming edition is expected to draw thousands of athletes and fans from across the globe for a comprehensive experience that unites athletic performance with advanced technology.
Arabian Post
7 hours ago
- Arabian Post
Apple Hit with Lawsuit Over AI Timeline Claims
Apple is facing a class action securities fraud lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, with shareholders led by Eric Tucker accusing the company and its top executives of misleading investors about the readiness of its Apple Intelligence platform—particularly the advanced Siri features. The suit alleges that assurances made during the June 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference implied that AI-driven upgrades would be available in the iPhone 16, despite the absence of a working prototype and no realistic timeline for deployment. The complaint identifies CEO Tim Cook, CFO Kevan Parekh and former CFO Luca Maestri as defendants, asserting that they downplayed the time needed to integrate advanced AI into Siri. Defendants are accused of misrepresentation and securities fraud after shareholders suffered substantial losses following Apple's admission of delays on March 7, pushing Siri enhancements to 2026. The class period covers the year ending June 9 2025, during which Apple's share price has fallen by almost 25 per cent from its December 26 2024 peak—erasing around US $900 billion in market value. Plaintiffs claim Apple's AI rollout was significantly more modest than anticipated. While Apple did launch features like Writing Tools and Image Playgrounds in late 2024, enhanced Siri—a major selling point of Apple Intelligence—did not materialise. At the June 2025 Worldwide Developers Conference, upgrades were again muted, disappointing analysts and intensifying investor frustration. ADVERTISEMENT Central to the lawsuit is an alleged gap between Apple's public statements and the internal progress of its AI projects. Shareholders contend that Apple lacked a functional Siri prototype at the time of its WWDC 2024 announcement, rendering its claims unrealistic. Observers like tech commentator John Gruber described those AI demonstrations as 'vaporware,' a view echoed in the suit's filing. The lawsuit highlights systemic challenges Apple faces in communicating its AI strategy to investors. It suggests that the company's announcements gave a misleading impression that advanced Siri capabilities would be a key differentiator for the iPhone 16 experience. As one unnamed industry analyst noted, while the company admitted delay in March, it did not appear again in June to give clarity or reassurance, further eroding confidence. Apple has not yet issued an official statement in response to the lawsuit. In prior cases, such as the 2025 settlement of US $95 million over Siri privacy issues, the company has defended its actions while emphasising its commitment to user privacy and software quality. The legal claim raises questions about expectations set for Apple Intelligence, which faced criticism in early reviews for being underwhelming. Observers like The Verge's Allison Johnson labelled notification summaries a modest step, pointing to a broader trend: while Apple's AI narrative emphasised 'transformative' features, actual releases—including Siri enhancements—have fallen short. This lawsuit joins a growing wave of scrutiny directed at tech giants over AI disclosure practices. Apple's legal challenge follows earlier litigation in March 2025 alleging false advertising tied to Apple Intelligence being promoted in major marketing campaigns ahead of delivery. That earlier suit, filed in San Jose, referenced widespread airwaves coverage and featuring actor Bella Ramsey, alleging those ads cultivated unreasonable expectations among consumers. Apple is now at a critical juncture. Having marketed Siri's next-generation capabilities as central to its AI push, the company must address whether its internal timelines align with public messaging—and whether investors were misled. The outcome of this suit could define legal boundaries around tech disclosures and reshape how Apple—and its competitors—manage expectations in the rapidly growing AI landscape.
Khaleej Times
7 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Airlines continue to avoid Middle East airspace after US attacks Iran nuclear sites
Airlines continued to avoid large parts of the Middle East on Sunday after US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, according to flight tracking website FlightRadar24, with traffic already skirting airspace in the region due to recent missile exchanges. "Following US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, commercial traffic in the region is operating as it has since new airspace restrictions were put into place last week," FlightRadar24 said on social media platform X. Its website showed airlines were not flying in the airspace over Iran, Iraq, Syria and Israel. They have chosen other routings such as north via the Caspian Sea or south via Egypt and Saudi Arabia, even if it results in higher fuel and crew costs and longer flight times. Missile and drone barrages in an expanding number of conflict zones globally represent a high risk to airline traffic. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Safe Airspace, a website run by OPSGROUP, a membership-based organisation that shares flight risk information, said on Sunday that the US attacks on Iran may increase risks to US operators in the region. "While there have been no specific threats made against civil aviation, Iran has previously warned it would retaliate by attacking US military interests in the Middle East — either directly or via proxies such as Hezbollah," Safe Airspace said. Since Israel launched strikes on Iran on June 13, carriers have suspended flights to destinations in the affected countries, though there have been some evacuation flights from neighbouring nations and some bringing stranded Israelis home. In the days before the US strikes on Iran, American Airlines suspended flights to Qatar, and United Airlines did the same with flights to Dubai. Safe Airspace said it was possible airspace risks could now extend to countries including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. "We continue to advise a high degree of caution at this time," it said. Israel's largest carriers, El Al Israel Airlines, Arkia and Israir, said on Sunday they were suspending rescue flights that allowed people to return to Israel until further notice. El Al said it would also extend its cancellation of scheduled flights through June 27. Israel's airports authority said the country's airspace was closed for all flights, but land crossings with Egypt and Jordan remained open. Tens of thousands of Israelis and others who had booked tickets to Israel are stuck abroad. At the same time, nearly 40,000 tourists in Israel are looking to leave the country, some of whom are going via Jordan's borders to Amman and others by boat to Cyprus. The tourism ministry is trying to facilitate getting these people out. Japan's foreign ministry said on Sunday it had evacuated 21 people, including 16 Japanese nationals, from Iran overland to Azerbaijan. It said it was the second such evacuation since Thursday and that it would conduct further evacuations if necessary. New Zealand's government said on Sunday it would send a Hercules military transport plane to the Middle East on standby to evacuate New Zealanders from the region. It said in a statement that government personnel and a C-130J Hercules aircraft would leave Auckland on Monday. The plane would take some days to reach the region, it said. The government was also in talks with commercial airlines to assess how they may be able to assist, it added.
