An expert explained the significance of AI applications in healthcare

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an integral part of Russian healthcare, transforming traditional approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, said Andrei Varivoda, Chairman of the Board of Directors of DIACON Group of Companies. The expert told Izvestia on February 14 about the prospects of its application.

He recalled that, according to the information of the Ministry of Digital Health, presented for 2024, more than 200 medical organizations in the country have already implemented various AI solutions.

"We are witnessing a rapid evolution of artificial intelligence technologies in healthcare. Today it is no longer just a fashion trend, but a necessity to ensure the country's technological sovereignty in the medical sphere," the expert noted.

In Russia, there are more than 30 AI-based services for analyzing medical images. The systems help doctors detect oncologic diseases, lung and cardiovascular system pathologies at early stages. Varivoda added that such activity is probably indirectly related to the fact that medical diagnostics was included in the list of priority areas for the development of AI technologies in the Russian Federation, proposed by the Ministry of Digitization in 2023.

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The introduction of artificial intelligence in the work with medical records is being actively developed. In addition, the expert named self-monitoring systems for patients and personalization in medicine as another promising direction as a global trend.

"In the context of external constraints, it is necessary to develop our own technological competencies. We see Russian companies successfully creating innovative solutions that are not inferior to foreign analogs," Varivoda emphasized.

Among the promising areas he singled out the creation of medical decision support systems, automation of laboratory diagnostics and personalized medicine.

"It is important to understand that AI does not replace a specialist, but becomes his reliable assistant, improving the quality and availability of medical care," the expert emphasized.

In the field of laboratory diagnostics, Russian manufacturers are creating innovative solutions incorporating AI elements to automate and improve the accuracy of tests. However, the development of AI technologies in diagnostics and medicine in general requires a comprehensive approach, including training of specialists, creation of the necessary infrastructure and, last but not least, ensuring information security.

By 2026, according to the expert, mass introduction of AI systems in regional medical institutions is expected.

"We are moving towards the creation of a unified digital healthcare ecosystem, where artificial intelligence will play a key role in ensuring the quality of medical care," Varivoda predicted.

He drew attention to the fact that successful integration of AI into healthcare is only possible with close cooperation between the government, business and the medical community. This approach will allow to create an effective system of medical care that meets modern challenges.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko said on December 26 that Russia is one of the world leaders in the development of artificial intelligence technologies. According to him, Russian scientists have unique neural processors and mathematical models.