The Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Malaysia’s Healthcare System
Enhancing Screening and Diagnostics
Artificial intelligence (AI) holds significant potential in Malaysia’s healthcare system, particularly in enhancing screening and diagnostics. This was highlighted by Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni during a recent question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat.
Cost-Effective Alternative
Many studies have focused on AI applications in chest X-ray screenings, offering a more cost-effective alternative. Citing a recent study, Lukanisman said AI-assisted chest X-rays demonstrated a higher sensitivity rate of 56.4 to 95.7 per cent compared to radiologists, who achieved a sensitivity of 23.2 to 76 per cent in detecting lung nodules, while maintaining comparable specificity.
Improving Detection Rates
A 2022 health technology assessment by the Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section (MaHTAS) also found that AI integration in chest X-ray analysis helped radiology trainees improve detection rates by 15.5 per cent, from 54.7 per cent of cases requiring further Computed Tomography (CT) scans.
Reducing Long-Term Treatment Costs
Lukanisman also said that AI technology is expected to help reduce long-term treatment costs for both patients and the government by improving early screening, expediting diagnostics, minimising missed diagnoses in facilities without radiology specialists, and enabling more targeted treatments.
Mammogram Screenings for Breast Cancer
A study on AI’s diagnostic performance in mammogram screenings for breast cancer—conducted on 434 digital mammograms—showed significant improvements across all evaluator groups, including experienced radiologists and trainees. With AI assistance, radiologists consistently achieved higher sensitivity rates (88 per cent with AI compared to 86.5 per cent without AI). Furthermore, a study by Ramli Hamid et al. (2024) confirmed that AI-assisted mammograms improved diagnostic accuracy and reduced unnecessary biopsy procedures.
Comprehensive Study on AI Technology
To further explore AI’s applications, the Ministry of Health, through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is conducting a comprehensive study on AI technology, with pilot research currently underway at the Cyberjaya, Kajang and Putrajaya hospitals. The ministry also hopes for greater participation from both the public and private sectors to invest in AI-related research.
Conclusion
The potential of artificial intelligence in Malaysia’s healthcare system is vast, with the ability to enhance screening and diagnostics, improve detection rates, and reduce long-term treatment costs. As the ministry continues to explore AI’s applications, it is essential to encourage greater participation from both the public and private sectors to invest in AI-related research.
FAQs
Q: What are the potential benefits of AI in Malaysia’s healthcare system?
A: AI has the potential to enhance screening and diagnostics, improve detection rates, and reduce long-term treatment costs.
Q: What are some of the studies that have focused on AI applications in chest X-ray screenings?
A: Studies have shown that AI-assisted chest X-rays demonstrated a higher sensitivity rate of 56.4 to 95.7 per cent compared to radiologists, who achieved a sensitivity of 23.2 to 76 per cent in detecting lung nodules.
Q: How does AI technology help reduce long-term treatment costs?
A: AI technology helps reduce long-term treatment costs by improving early screening, expediting diagnostics, minimising missed diagnoses in facilities without radiology specialists, and enabling more targeted treatments.