KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stressed that artificial intelligence (AI)-driven medical innovation must remain inclusive and accessible to everyone.
He said AI holds great potential in transforming healthcare, but it is also crucial to ensure such advancements do not widen the divide between those who can afford high-tech treatments and those who cannot.
Citing the book ‘A Human’s Guide to the Future’ by Australian biomedical engineer, Dr Jordan Nguyen, Abang Johari shared how the doctor had helped patients with physical disabilities.
“What Dr Jordan did was innovate machines that connect patients’ brain signal to machines through AI. And this connection between the artificial brain and the human brain seemed to be successful.
“The outcome is that the it allows the patient to drive a motor vehicle. This is a very successful innovation.
“He started it in Sydney and went over the world to emphasise on the importance of innovation and AI as a solution to people’s health care.
“Indeed, after reading this book, I was thinking there must be a cost to it. The cost could be exorbitant,” he said.
He said this at the 51st Annual Scientific Congress of the College of Surgeons held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
Abang Johari further questioned whether such innovations would remain accessible to all.
“In my mind, there are two scenarios. One is that innovation in medical science will facilitate a new healthcare environment that benefits humanity. The second is that it becomes a profit-oriented model.
“If it becomes a commercial entity, the next question is – where is the balance? To people who can afford it, they have this access, but those who are unable to pay the cost may be out of that spectrum,” he said.
He urged the medical fraternity to look into this matter and explore equitable solutions.
“I will leave this to the medical community to find a solution, and I look forward to your ideas,” he said.
