How is AI Advancing Healthcare in KSA?

Introduction

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming medicine by enabling faster diagnoses, personalized treatments, and efficient healthcare management. In Saudi Arabia, AI is advancing the healthcare ecosystem by integrating smart technologies like IoT and 5G, streamlining patient care, and enhancing overall service delivery. This progress is positioning the Kingdom as a leader in healthcare innovation.

How is AI being Used?

To harness the power of AI, the quality and depth of the data it analyzes are crucial. In its most basic form, AI uses algorithms to identify patterns in medical data and predict future outcomes. Recognizing the need for a robust data infrastructure, the Saudi government established the National Data Bank (NDB) and the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA). The NDB consolidates data across various sectors, including healthcare, providing a scalable model for rapid access and universal data sharing. This initiative has been helpful in driving AI-powered healthcare innovations across the Kingdom.

AI in Practice

Let us take a look at how AI is actively transforming the healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia.

  • The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and SDAIA have jointly launched MiniGPT-Med, an advanced vision-integrated AI language model capable of identifying 14 different diseases.
  • The King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center leveraged AI to generate CAR-T cells for cancer treatment and conducted 7,000 whole genome sequencing tests to assess genetic predispositions.
  • SDAIA partnered with King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital to develop "Eyenai," an AI solution to detect diabetic retinopathy.
  • The Seha Virtual Hospital in Saudi Arabia has tied up with South Korean healthtech firm Lunit to provide AI-powered solutions for breast cancer and tuberculosis screening.
  • King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) has developed an AI system to segment brain tumors for improved accuracy on MRI scans.

What Does the Future of AI in Healthcare Look Like in KSA?

The Saudi government plans to set up a USD 40 billion tech fund to invest in AI. The fund is expected to invest in startups across different sectors with healthtech being a primary target. Additionally, the Saudi Venture Capital Co. and Riyadh Valley Co. are allocating venture capital funding to AI-driven drug discovery and biotech platforms. The Kingdom also aims to lead in genomics and precision medicine with the Saudi Human Genome Program (SHGP) aiming to sequence the entire population's genomes to explore the link between genetic variations and health conditions. AI will play a pivotal role in unlocking the potential of this genetic data, enabling the development of personalized healthcare interventions.

Conclusion

Research by McKinsey & Co. suggests that digital health and AI could generate up to USD 27 billion in economic value for Saudi Arabia's healthcare sector by 2030. With AI projected to automate nearly 40% of healthcare workflows, the impact is profound: enhanced diagnostic accuracy, reduced administrative burdens, and better patient outcomes. This transformation not only eases the strain on healthcare professionals but also ensures more efficient and effective care delivery, positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in the future of healthcare innovation.