Скачать или смотреть Building an AI-powered healthcare system in Iraq | Prof. Deiary Fraidoon Kader | TEDxBaghdad

This TEDx talk delved into the dangers and risks of medical practices, highlighting startling statistics. According to a 2016 BMJ paper by Prof. Martin Makary, a Johns Hopkins professor of oncology, medical errors and complications from surgeries and drugs are the third leading cause of death in the United States. Prof. Makary, now appointed as the FDA head in the new US administration.
In the UK, the situation is equally concerning. Annually, there are over two million safety alerts stemming from medical errors and mistakes by healthcare workers. Additionally, healthcare delivery is often slow and disorganised. Patients may face delays of up to eight hours at NHS A&E departments or two weeks to see a GP. Similarly, Iraq’s healthcare system struggles with inefficiency, where accessing a doctor often involves significant delays.
Globally, and particularly in Iraq, the healthcare sector is grappling with numerous challenges. Iraq, with a population of 47 million, has only 450 hospitals and urgently needs an additional 550 hospitals to achieve the global benchmark of one hospital per 50,000 people. Furthermore, Iraq has only one doctor per 1,000 residents, compared to the ideal ratio of four per 1,000 requiring an immediate appointment of 130,000 doctors. These problems are compounded by Iraq’s inability to adopt the third industrial revolution; many sectors, including healthcare, remain analogue rather than digital.
However, the fourth industrial revolution, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), presents a unique opportunity for transformation. Unlike previous revolutions, it is less likely to be monopolised and offers Iraq a chance to leapfrog outdated systems. The talk showcased multiple AI-driven projects developed internally by a team of doctors and AI specialists. Despite modest infrastructure, these projects have significant strides, utilising data from over 60,000 orthopaedic elective surgery patients.
AI could revolutionise healthcare delivery in Iraq and beyond. Instead of building 550 hospitals a nearly impossible task that would take 20 years and likely result in outdated facilities Iraq could adopt AI solutions. The future of healthcare lies in decentralisation: only emergencies, complex cases, and surgeries will require hospital visits. Chronic diseases can be managed remotely through telemedicine or wearable devices connected to smartphones. Smart booths could be installed nationwide to conduct comprehensive health assessments, including skin checks, vital signs, retina scans, dental evaluations, and even facial recognition for stress and anxiety analysis.
Iraq has the potential to lead this transformation. The country possesses skilled experts, a loyal diaspora of global specialists, financial resources, and government support for innovation. Additionally, Iraq’s young population 50% under 21 years of age is poised to adopt and leverage new technologies with ease. By contrast, the UK’s population skews older, with 50% over the age of 40.
To avoid a complete collapse of its healthcare system, Iraq must embrace the fourth industrial revolution. AI-driven solutions offer a practical, scalable, and sustainable path forward, ensuring the country’s healthcare system evolves to meet the growing needs of its population. Professor Deiary F Kader
Specialising in knee surgery, sports medicine, and healthcare innovation, Prof Kader is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon in London and director of research at SWLEOC focusing on AI in healthcare. He trained in Australia and the UK, holds membership with the UK Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine, and has been a visiting professor at Northumbria University since 2007 and an honorary associate professor at UCL.
Published over 300 scientific works (h-index of 37 and over 13000 citation), including two bestselling orthopaedic books and the recently released Life Academy (Personal Insights). A past president of BOSTAA, and vice president of ORAIA, he has made significant contributions to education and research.
Founder of NGMV charity and Life Academy, also worked as a war trauma surgeon with the ICRC and advises the Swisscross Foundation. A passionate educator and humanitarian, his work continues to inspire and innovate globally. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx