AI Integration Set to Transform Pakistan’s Healthcare

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced a major initiative to support Pakistan in adopting artificial intelligence (AI) across its healthcare system. With $950,000 in regional technical assistance, the program will also benefit Bangladesh and Indonesia, aiming to accelerate AI deployment for service excellence in health.

The assistance will assess AI applications in health promotion, screening, diagnosis, and treatment, while also helping governments develop governance frameworks to safeguard data privacy, prevent algorithmic bias, and monitor post-market performance.

In clinical contexts, AI-assisted smart point-of-care tools are expected to enhance diagnostic accuracy through advanced image processing and pattern recognition. For healthcare management, AI solutions could streamline patient experiences—from appointments and consultations to prescriptions and follow-ups—while reducing administrative burdens on doctors and preventing burnout.

Generative AI and AI agents will also play a role in medical education and telemedicine, providing decision support in areas with limited access to healthcare professionals. This could significantly improve training, upskilling, and public health education.

ADB’s project builds on its past support for digital health systems, which laid the groundwork for big data analytics and AI applications. By fostering AI readiness, the initiative aims to improve efficiency, transparency, and equitable access to healthcare services in Pakistan.

Experts believe that AI adoption could revolutionize Pakistan’s health sector, enabling rapid drug discovery, personalized medicine, and stronger patient-doctor interactions. With technical support and capacity building, Pakistan is poised to integrate AI into its healthcare ecosystem, addressing long-standing challenges and improving outcomes for millions.