THE Philippine healthcare system has been grappling with two major challenges, namely long wait times and staff shortages, which have been further exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic. While the country is gradually recovering from the crisis, these challenges continue to persist. Moreover, the aging population and the surge in noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases are projected to further strain the healthcare system.
According to the United Nations, the proportion of individuals aged 60 years and above in Asia and the Pacific is expected to rise from 13.6 percent in 2020 to 25 percent by 2050. In the Philippines, it is estimated that by 2035, senior citizens will make up 14 percent of the population. Additionally, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes are responsible for 68 percent of local deaths in the country. These factors, combined with the aging population and the increasing prevalence of NCDs, will lead to a surge in patient demand, placing a heavier burden on healthcare systems and resulting in longer wait times for patients.
While the focus is often on treatment options, the crucial aspects of disease diagnosis and monitoring are often overlooked. Inefficient and inaccurate patient diagnoses not only contribute to longer wait times but also worsen medical conditions, increase patient costs, and add stress to the overall health system. It is imperative to shape public health policies to address these challenges effectively. While local initiatives like the Universal Healthcare Act and the National Integrated Cancer Control Act aim to alleviate financial burdens and improve treatment accessibility, technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), holds significant potential for long-term solutions.
AI has long been hailed as a transformative tool in addressing the prevailing challenges faced by healthcare systems worldwide. By automating and expediting routine healthcare tasks and leveraging vast amounts of data to generate patient-centric insights, AI can improve productivity and enhance patient outcomes. In the realm of disease diagnosis, AI can accelerate the speed of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, reducing examination time and costs while boosting department productivity, ultimately benefiting patients.
In the Philippines, the integration of AI into healthcare practices is already underway. Healthcare providers are employing AI to expedite the detection of liver cancer and Hepatitis B, while the government has introduced AI-powered and data-driven solutions for accurate COVID-19 diagnosis.
During the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) held in March, Philips showcased its AI-driven integrated approach across various diagnostic tools, including MRIs, CT scans, diagnostic X-rays, and ultrasounds. The company’s next-generation imaging technology, empowered by a cutting-edge AI reconstruction technology and a state-of-the-art speed engine, aims to reduce scan times and generate detailed MRI images, even in the presence of patient or organ movement. The approach has already exhibited promising results in leading hospitals worldwide, in collaboration with the Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands.
“By augmenting the roles of healthcare workers, AI can effectively address staff burnout, leading to increased staff satisfaction and retention. By supporting healthcare professionals, AI has the potential to enhance care delivery, improve patient experiences, and ultimately enhance overall health outcomes,” stated Natasha Kwan, Regional General Manager of Philips Health Systems for Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Growth Markets, Philips APAC.
The Future Health Index 2022 by Philips reveals that healthcare leaders across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region recognize the potential of AI and anticipate it becoming a primary investment in the next three years, with 82 percent of respondents expressing this belief.
Furthermore, AI can also contribute to the sustainability efforts of the healthcare industry, facilitating predictive maintenance to identify issues before they arise and allowing engineers to assess and respond remotely. AI also supports preventive and virtual care, enabling healthcare professionals to remotely monitor and engage with patients. This not only expands access to care but also reduces travel requirements and CO2 emissions. Sustainability practices have become a top priority for one in four APAC healthcare leaders, as highlighted in the Future Health Index.
As the integration of AI into the healthcare system progresses, it is crucial to remember that AI is only as effective as the human experience it supports. Philips is committed to collaborating with various healthcare institutions to deliver the right technology that supports healthcare staff and provides an enhanced patient care experience. Through these partnerships, the brand ensures that technologies like AI have a positive impact on the healthcare industry as a whole.
