“Many countries in APAC lack digital infrastructure to store and process data efficiently”

GE Healthcare, soon to become an independent public company in 2023, is poised to achieve even greater speed and agility in its response to the industry’s needs. This includes their efforts in advancing Precision Health, a key priority in Singapore’s healthcare reform plan to refocus the sector on patient-centred preventive care. BioSpectrum Asia spoke to Chris Khang, President & Chief Executive Officer (ASEAN, Korea and ANZ), GE Healthcare at length on how the company is strengthening digital healthcare in Asia Pacific (APAC). Edited Excerpts;

- Dr Manbeena Chawla

Chris Khang, President & Chief Executive Officer, (ASEAN, Korea and ANZ), GE Healthcare

What are the major products/technology being rolled out to enhance the concept of precision healthcare within APAC?

The Personalised Health Index developed by Roche and leading public health experts shows that Asia Pacific has the potential to become a strong leader in personalised healthcare, with Singapore ranking at the top. While personalised healthcare is in its infancy worldwide, the index also highlights that it is gaining significant momentum in Asia.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a crucial role in precision healthcare, as it can help make sense of large amounts of clinical data gathered and turn them into insights for healthcare providers and clinicians. GE Healthcare has a suite of products that leverages AI technology to improve the accuracy and speed of diagnoses, help raise efficiency in decision making, or expand access to care.

Below are three examples:

VscanAir: In 2021, GE Healthcare introduced its latest pocket-sized colour ultrasound scanner, Vscan Air. It is a handheld, wireless device that beams images from the ultrasound probe to an app on a smartphone – bringing an essential tool to the point of care. Through an ecosystem of AI-powered applications, Vscan Air has made it easier to acquire and interpret high-quality ultrasound images wherever care needs to be delivered. This has enabled doctors to diagnose patients even in rural and remote areas of Asia.