AI is powering a new healthcare vision for South Africa

SOUTH African healthcare leaders are outpacing their global counterparts when it comes to adopting artificial intelligence, particularly in clinical decision-making and exploring the potential of generative AI.

- DEAN WOLSON

Nearly two-thirds of these leaders have already rolled out remote patient monitoring solutions across a range of critical care areas, including mental health (62%), postoperative recovery (56%), preoperative preparation (55%), chronic disease management (55%), and elderly care (55%).

While emerging care delivery models and advanced technologies like artificial intelligence are transforming the healthcare landscape, enduring challenges must still be overcome to ensure patients receive high-quality care.

AI Amid Workforce and Infrastructure Struggles

Though the South African healthcare system is undergoing pivotal transformation, the sector stands between the promise of innovation and the pressure of persistent systemic challenges.

While new care delivery models and technologies like virtual care and AI are rapidly shaping the future of healthcare, longstanding barriers continue to restrict access to timely and quality care.