A unified health data framework in the GCC could soon be in the works as the opportunities for such a pioneering initiative were discussed this week at Arab Health.
Participants at a session on ‘Digital Health & AI Forum’ at the event, said advancements in technology have brought healthcare data to the forefront, calling for initiation of a unified data framework for the bloc.
Speaking at the session, Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Ahmed Al-Khalifa, Project Director of the Supreme Council of Health, Bahrain, provided key insights into why a framework is needed and how it would benefit citizens and healthcare providers across the Gulf countries.
“We are witnessing the increased movement of GCC citizens within the region due to significant economic investment. Therefore, having accessible medical data becomes important for GCC citizens wherever they are,” he said.
While advocating for a unified system, Al-Khalifa also addressed the complexities of aligning GCC nations on a standardised framework, highlighting data privacy as a key consideration.
He stressed that such a system must be secure and accessible only to authorised parties, ensuring the protection of sensitive health information while enabling seamless access across borders.
The Digital Health & AI Conference is new to Arab Health this year and proved to be a highly engaging forum for healthcare professionals, technologists and innovators.
The one-day event featured high-level keynotes, insightful case studies, interactive panel discussions and TED-style talks centered on the implementation and outcomes of AI-driven solutions.
The Digital Health & AI Forum also sets the stage for an even deeper exploration of AI’s transformative role in healthcare at The Future Health Summit, slated for Thursday, January 30.
The Thursday event will bring together senior government officials, healthcare executives, and technology leaders from Google, GE HealthCare, Amazon Web Services, and PureHealth, among others, to explore the power of AI in shaping global healthcare systems.
The summit will explore the transformation of healthcare delivery in the UAE, addressing key questions, concerns and opportunities surrounding the impact of AI.
Digital and technology experts and academics from around the world will also discuss the ethical considerations of AI in healthcare, addressing moral responsibility, human-AI collaboration and regulatory challenges.
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