AI, Robotics in Medicine Need Professional Training, Safety Standards

The integration of advanced medical technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, into healthcare systems necessitates rigorous professional training and strict adherence to safety standards, according to the Malaysian Academy of Medicine (AMM).

Prof. Datuk Dr. Hanafiah Harunarashid, Master of AMM, emphasized that while these cutting-edge technologies hold immense potential to enhance treatment quality and diagnostic precision, patient safety must consistently be the paramount concern. He stated that sophisticated tools offer no benefit if not operated by adequately trained and expert individuals.

“

Good tools provide no benefit if not used correctly. That is why training for doctors and specialists is extremely important to ensure patient safety is always protected.

Dr. Harunarashid highlighted AI's growing role in healthcare, particularly in analyzing medical images like CT scans and MRIs to detect diseases early. He noted that AI can help mitigate the risk of missed diagnoses, especially in hospitals facing specialist shortages, by providing doctors with a second opinion and improving diagnostic accuracy.

“

AI can help detect early signs that might be missed during the first examination. It gives doctors a chance to get a second opinion and further improve diagnostic accuracy.

Furthermore, the use of robotics in surgery is showing promising advancements, enabling more precise procedures, smaller incisions, and faster patient recovery. Dr. Harunarashid observed that robotic technology, once bulky and difficult to use, is becoming more sophisticated and could potentially be used for remote surgeries in the future. He acknowledged that technologies like robotics, AI, and genomics are rapidly evolving and will inevitably become integral parts of modern healthcare systems.

In light of these developments, AMM is committed to collaborating with the Malaysia Healthcare Scientific Kingdom (MHSK). This partnership aims to ensure that any new medical technology introduced into Malaysia is supported by comprehensive professional training and education programs. The collaboration also seeks to verify that these technologies meet the specific needs of the local healthcare industry and ultimately benefit both patients and medical professionals.

“

Robotics, AI, and genomics are already before us. Whether we like it or not, these technologies will continue to develop and become part of the modern health system.