AI transforms healthcare, but doctors must retain final authority: experts

Artificial intelligence has become an integral component of modern healthcare systems and medical education, reshaping how practitioners diagnose conditions and develop treatment plans. However, experts caution that while AI technologies offer significant advantages in processing vast datasets and identifying patterns, the final clinical decisions must rest with qualified physicians who can contextualise findings within broader patient circumstances.

Dr. Jayanthi emphasised that the healthcare sector cannot afford to resist the AI revolution, as the technology is increasingly embedded in diagnostic tools, treatment planning algorithms, and educational programmes. Medical institutions and individual practitioners must adapt their workflows and skillsets to leverage these capabilities effectively.

The challenge lies in striking a balance between technological advancement and human judgment. Doctors must develop competency in interpreting AI-generated insights, understanding the limitations of algorithms, and applying clinical experience to validate recommendations before implementation. This hybrid approach ensures that technological efficiency does not compromise the personalised care that patients require.

As healthcare systems across South and Southeast Asia continue modernising, the integration of AI represents both an opportunity and a responsibility for medical professionals to uphold standards of care while embracing innovation.