Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare With an Emphasis on Public Health

Artificial Intelligence (AI), since its inception, has revolutionized multiple sectors, including healthcare in the 20th century, and has applications in data interpretation, leading to advancements in diagnostics, therapeutics, and clinical decision-making. AI is referred to as the capability of a software program to accurately analyze extrinsic information and utilize it for accomplishing desired goals and objectives through appropriate flexibility. It makes use of complicated operative algorithms to excel in human learning potential with overwhelming abilities to interpret large sets of data. The scope and implications of AI are consistently amplifying and have contributed significantly in nearly all phases of human life, especially healthcare. The integration of AI-related advancements would surely ameliorate the delivery of healthcare by allowing its accessibility, affordability, and level of care provided. For instance, reading CT scans is feasible by both AI as well as a radiologist. The screening of Tuberculosis is possible through AI via Chest X-rays with comparability in performance as molecular testing and mammography scans can predict the onset of breast cancer prior to the appearance of the ocular signs. Therefore, AI has been realized as one of the core areas by researchers and the government for public health benefit. For the same reason, it is imperative to adopt an ethically sound policy framework for guiding the further development of AI-based technologies and their application in public health. AI-based interpretations themselves cannot be fully trusted for their diagnostic decisions and judgements, and hence, it is vital to assess their accountability through all phases of development and deployment in the field of health. This article emphasizes the advancements in AI-based technologies, their assistance in public healthcare delivery systems, and their merits and demerits. It also explores the various ethical directives that need to be adhered to while utilizing it for public health welfare.