AI To Revolutionise Country`s Healthcare Sector-PHAZ

By Shingirayi Vambe

Bulawayo- Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to transform the country`s medical sector by improving diagnostics, patient management, and administrative efficiency although local practitioners are still in the early stages of adoption, a health expert said.

In an interview on Monday, Private Healthcare Association of Zimbabwe (PHAZ) chairperson Letitia Gaga acknowledged AI’s potential to revolutionize healthcare but stressed the need for greater awareness and infrastructure upgrades, particularly in rural areas.

“AI in Zimbabwe has actually changed the landscape of the medical profession. Although we are still at the infant stage, there are key benefits already visible.”

Gaga outlined AI’s transformative role across key areas such as diagnostics (delivering near-flawless accuracy in medical data), patient management (streamlining appointments and tracking).

“It will assist in predictive analytics (outperforming manual methods in disease forecasting), and administrative efficiency freeing doctors from paperwork like drug charts to focus on hands-on care),” she said.

Gaga allayed fear that AI would replace healthcare workers, insisting it would instead reallocate tasks to improve efficiency.

“As you heard people were asking whether they were going to lose their jobs. No, it`s not like that AI will enhance our work.
“Nurses will have more time for patient care instead of paperwork. This is a game-changer for the country if implemented properly,” she said.

Gaga acknowledged internet connectivity concerns in other parts of the country, particularly rural areas in ensuring remote health centres benefit equally from AI advancement.

She, however, commended local telecoms providers for expanding network coverage.

“A major challenge, however, is ensuring rural health centres benefit equally from AI advancements. However, local telecom providers have tried in terms of expanding their network coverage.

“Our rural areas have base stations and people can make calls. The infrastructure is there and it just needs upgrading to support AI systems,” Gaga said.

The expert said plans are in place to drive AI integration across hospitals.

“We want to be the hub of AI information for all healthcare providers, including non-members.

“We are collaborating with the Ministry of Health and pushing for tax incentives on modern medical equipment to lower costs for patients,” she said.

Gaga also highlighted the need for broader awareness on AI’s role in healthcare.

“Zimbabweans must understand what AI is, what it offers, and how it can be tailored to our environment.

“We have local AI models being developed specifically for our needs this is an opportunity we must embrace,” said the chairperson.
Gaga said the country`s AI healthcare revolution requires three key pillars namely policy support, internet infrastructure and training of healthcare workers.

“The country`s AI healthcare revolution requires three key pillars namely policy support like tax breaks for medical AI tech, nationwide internet infrastructure, and worker training,” she said.

Gaga warned that those who are slow to adopt AI will be left behind.

“We are changing healthcare’s face. Those slow to adopt AI will be left behind,” the expert said.

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