Navigating the ethical landscape of AI in healthcare

Navigating the ethical landscape of AI in healthcare

Navigating the ethical landscape of AI in healthcare
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In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, artificial intelligence stands as both hero and villain. Its promise of efficiency and accuracy is marred by the lurking specter of bias, especially in the delicate realm of healthcare.

So, buckle up, dear readers, as we embark on a rollercoaster ride through the wild world of AI and ethics, where laughter meets seriousness, and where the absurdity of biases meets the gravity of healthcare.

In the bustling city of Techville, the future unfolds daily, with advancements in AI revolutionizing industries. However, behind the marvels lies a shadow: the issue of bias. Today, we delve into the heart of this matter, focusing on its implications in the realm of healthcare.

As I walked through the corridors of TechMed, a state-of-the-art hospital, I couldn’t help but ponder the ethical implications of AI in healthcare. Dr. Emily, a seasoned physician, shared her insights, stating, “While AI promises efficiency and precision, it’s crucial to acknowledge its potential biases, particularly in medical diagnoses.”

Picture this: Dr. Watson, the AI wizard, struts into the hospital, armed with algorithms and a penchant for diagnosing ailments quicker than you can say “hypochondriac.” But alas, even our dear Dr. Watson isn’t immune to the pitfalls of bias. Take poor Mr. Johnson, for instance. He came into the clinic complaining of a tummy ache, only to be diagnosed with a case of “pizza-itis” by the ever-enthusiastic AI, which had been fed a steady diet of fast-food-related data.

Needless to say, Mr. Johnson’s gluten intolerance wasn’t part of the algorithm’s repertoire.

But fear not, for amid the chaos, there are voices of reason. Dr. Emily, the wise sage of the medical world, warns, “While AI can be a game-changer, we must be vigilant about the biases lurking within its circuits. After all, nobody wants to be prescribed kale smoothies for a broken leg.”

We must hold AI accountable for its biases, for in the realm of healthcare, there’s no room for error.

Rafael Hernández de Santiago

Meet Ms. Smith, a diligent worker and devoted mother. She sought medical advice for her persistent headaches. The AI algorithm swiftly diagnosed her with stress-related issues, prescribing medication accordingly. However, Ms. Smith’s condition worsened, ultimately leading to a severe neurological disorder. The AI had overlooked critical symptoms, influenced by biased data sets skewed toward stress-related diagnoses in working women.

As Ms. Smith’s story unfolded, it echoed a prevalent concern: the impact of biased algorithms on patient outcomes. Dr. Patel, an advocate for AI ethics, emphasized, “We must scrutinize the data feeding these algorithms to prevent such oversights.”

As we navigate the minefield of AI biases, we can’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. From gender biases leading to misdiagnoses to racial disparities in treatment recommendations, the comedy of errors is as vast as the datasets themselves. But beneath the laughter lies a sobering reality: Lives hang in the balance, and the consequences of biased algorithms can be dire.

Enter Dr. Patel, the comic relief in our tale, with his witty retorts and a knack for cutting through the nonsense. “It’s like letting a toddler loose in a candy store,” he quips. “Sure, it’s fun at first, but someone’s bound to end up with a stomachache.”

Yet, amid the laughter, there’s a call to action. Dr. Kim, the voice of reason in our comedic ensemble, urges us to take a stand. “We must hold AI accountable for its biases,” she declares, “for in the realm of healthcare, there’s no room for error.”

In the pursuit of ethical AI, collaboration is key. Tech giants, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and ethicists must unite to establish stringent guidelines and oversight mechanisms. Transparency in algorithmic decision-making and continuous monitoring of biases are essential steps toward ethical AI implementation in healthcare.

As the sun set over Techville, illuminating the skyline, I pondered the path ahead. The journey to ethical AI in healthcare is fraught with challenges, but with unwavering commitment and collective action, we can pave the way for a future where technology serves all, without bias or prejudice.

And so, dear readers, as we bid adieu to our cast of characters and the absurdity of AI biases, let us heed the words of wisdom from the great Arab philosopher, Ibn Khaldun: “In the absence of justice, what is sovereignty but organized robbery?” Let us strive for a future where AI serves as a beacon of hope, untainted by bias, and where healthcare remains a sanctuary for all, regardless of algorithms gone awry.

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News' point of view

Saudi Arabia’s PMI rises to 6-month high in October

Saudi Arabia’s PMI rises to 6-month high in October
Updated 6 min 29 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia’s PMI rises to 6-month high in October

Saudi Arabia’s PMI rises to 6-month high in October

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s non-oil business activities strengthened in October, with the Kingdom’s purchasing managers’ index rising to a six-month high of 56.9, an economy tracker showed.

The Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia PMI survey, compiled by S&P Global, revealed that this figure beat the Kingdom’s September rating of 56.3 and the August level of 54.8.

The report revealed that this rise was driven by a sharper increase in sales, which supported further expansions in business activity, employment, purchasing activity, and stocks. 

S&P Global highlighted that any PMI readings above 50 indicate growth, while levels below 50 signal contraction. 

Strengthening the non-oil private sector is a crucial goal outlined in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, as the Kingdom is steadily diversifying its economy by reducing its decades-long reliance on crude revenues. 

Affirming the progress of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification, a report released by GASTAT in October showed that the Kingdom’s non-oil activities expanded by 4.2 percent in the third quarter of this year, compared to the same period in 2023. 

“In October 2024, Saudi Arabia’s non-oil private sector maintained its upward trajectory, with the PMI rising to 56.9 from 56.3, highlighting the nation’s robust economic health. This growth is part of a steady expansion trend since September 2020, driven by increasing demand and aligning with the goals of Vision 2030,” said Naif Al-Ghaith, chief economist at Riyad Bank. 

He added: “The comprehensive sectoral gains reflect a strong business environment, supported by government initiatives and heightened private sector engagement, aligning with ongoing projects under Vision 2030 that aim to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil.” 

S&P Global also attributed the rise in PMI to a stronger increase in sales volumes in October, as businesses commented on higher client demand and a general uplift in economic conditions. 

Survey respondents cited various factors, including customer arrivals, successful marketing strategies, and increased infrastructure development, as some key elements driving non-oil business growth in the Kingdom. 

“Over 40 percent of surveyed companies reported a surge in demand, spurred by robust domestic client interest, creative marketing strategies, and continuous infrastructure investments. These elements underscore Saudi Arabia’s economic resilience and high market confidence, further solidifying its position as a leading non-oil economy in the region,” said Al-Ghaith. 

The report added that businesses that took part in the survey were optimistic about future growth, and it encouraged companies to increase their purchase activity in October. 

Companies operating the Kingdom’s non-oil sector also raised their labor capacity in October, which enabled these firms to remain on top of workloads and curtail their levels of work-in-hand. 

Even though the pace of job creation remained stronger than average, it eased for the second month in a row, partly due to a reduction in the number of staff in the construction sector. 

“With this ongoing expansion, the non-oil sector’s contribution is projected to exceed 52 percent of the overall GDP and grow beyond 4 percent in 2024, reflecting the successful implementation of Vision 2030 and its associated projects,” concluded Al-Ghaith. 


Ukraine’s military says it shot down 48 drones and two missiles overnight

Ukraine’s military says it shot down 48 drones and two missiles overnight
Updated 13 min 50 sec ago
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Ukraine’s military says it shot down 48 drones and two missiles overnight

Ukraine’s military says it shot down 48 drones and two missiles overnight

KYIV: The Ukrainian military said on Tuesday it shot down 48 out of 79 drones and two missiles launched by Russia overnight.
The air force said the location of 30 other drones had been lost, while another had returned to Russia.


Saudi Aramco reports $27.52bn net profit in Q3

Saudi Aramco reports $27.52bn net profit in Q3
Updated 19 min 59 sec ago
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Saudi Aramco reports $27.52bn net profit in Q3

Saudi Aramco reports $27.52bn net profit in Q3

RIYADH: Energy giant Saudi Aramco reported a net profit of SR103.37 billion ($27.52 billion) in the third quarter of this year, exceeding analyst expectations, which projected a median net income of $26.9 billion. 

In a statement, the firm revealed that its net profit for the third quarter witnessed a decline of 15.40 percent compared to the same period in 2023, due to challenging market conditions including lower market prices for crude oil, refined, and chemical products.

Saudi Arabia, aligned with the decision of OPEC+, reduced its oil output by 500,000 barrels per day in April 2023, and this cut has now been extended until December 2024. 

“Aramco delivered robust net income and generated strong free cash flow during the third quarter, despite a lower oil price environment,” said Amin Nasser, president and CEO of the company. 

He added: “We also progressed our upstream developments, strengthened our downstream value chain, and advanced our new energies program as we continue to invest through cycles.” 

According to the statement, Aramco’s overall revenue from sales stood at SR416.63 billion in the third quarter, representing a marginal decline of 1.76 percent compared to the same period of the previous year. 

In terms of capital investments, the energy giant allocated SR49.6 billion in the third quarter, showcasing its continued commitment to expansion and production capabilities. 

Aramco also issued international sukuk worth $3 billion in the three months to the end of September, which further diversified the company’s investor base and enhanced liquidity profile. 

“Our recent $3 billion international sukuk issuance highlighted strong investor confidence in Aramco and we can be proud of the significant strides the company continues to make, all while sustaining our high levels of profitability, operational performance and reliability,” said Nasser. 

He added: “As we focus on strategic growth opportunities and capturing value through integration and diversification, we intend to maintain our positive momentum and cement our position as a leading global energy and petrochemicals player.” 

In the first nine months of this year, Aramco reported a net profit of SR314.65 billion, representing a decline of 11.25 percent compared to the same period in 2023. 

The statement added that the company’s overall sales revenue stood at SR1.24 trillion over the period, marking a marginal year-on-year rise of 0.02 percent. 

In a separate bourse filing, the energy giant declared a base dividend of SR0.315 per share, totaling SR76.06 billion for the third quarter of 2024.

The company also announced the sixth payment of a performance-linked dividend of SR0.167 per share, totaling SR40.39 billion, based on the combined full-year financial results of 2022 and 2023. 

Aramco said that it continued its progress in the renewable energy sector during the third quarter as it completed the financial close for three solar PV projects, with an anticipated combined capacity of 5.5 gigawatts. 

In September, Aramco’s wholly-owned subsidiary SAPCO, along with partners ACWA Power and the Public Investment Fund announced the financial closure for three solar photovoltaic projects worth SR12 billion. 

The Haden and Muwayh projects in Makkah province each have a planned production capacity of 2 GW, while the Al-Khushaybi project in Qassim province has a planned production capacity of 1.5 GW. 


Saudi Sports For All Federation and STC Group sign sustainability partnership

Saudi Sports For All Federation and STC Group sign sustainability partnership
Updated 20 min 53 sec ago
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Saudi Sports For All Federation and STC Group sign sustainability partnership

Saudi Sports For All Federation and STC Group sign sustainability partnership
  • Pact between the parties was inked at the 8th Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh
  • Collaboration will help identify opportunities for improving public participation in physical activities

RIYADH: The Saudi Sports For All Federation has signed a memorandum of understanding with the STC Group to promote physical activity, encourage social integration through sports, and support the development of grassroots programs.

The signing ceremony took place last week at the 8th Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, which was held under the theme “Infinite Horizons: Investing Today, Shaping Tomorrow.”

Shaima Alhusseini, managing director of the SFA, and Maha Alnuhait, general manager of sustainability at the STC Group, inked the agreement, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The collaboration will focus on establishing sustainability reporting frameworks, key performance indicators, and metrics in alignment with community-driven programs.

The SFA aims to leverage the telecom group’s expertise to achieve their goals and contribute to the objectives of Vision 2030, the SPA reported.


Record number of athletes expected at 16th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Record number of athletes expected at 16th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Updated 30 min 12 sec ago
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Record number of athletes expected at 16th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Record number of athletes expected at 16th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship
  • Over 9,000 athletes from 137 countries set to take part in tournament from Nov. 6-16

ABU DHABI: The 16th edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, from Nov. 6 to 16 at Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City, is expected to have a record 9,000 athletes from 137 countries taking part.

Participants will have the opportunity to earn points toward the prestigious Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards.

During a press conference on Monday at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, details of this year’s championship were revealed.

Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohamed Alhashmi, chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, president of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union, and senior vice president of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation, thanked the UAE leadership for supporting the event.

“This championship unites the world’s best talent to showcase their skills and elevate their global rankings, further establishing Abu Dhabi as a global jiu-jitsu hub,” he said.

He also thanked the event’s partners and sponsors. “Their support has been vital in helping us achieve this level of global leadership in jiu-jitsu.

“As we celebrate another world-class edition, we hope to continue to inspire new generations to pursue excellence and embrace the core values that make our sport so impactful.”

Saud Abdulaziz Al-Hosani, undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, commented: “Since the inception of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, jiu-jitsu has flourished in the UAE and around the world.

“Thanks to the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s efforts and our wise leadership support, Abu Dhabi has become a global sports hub and the world’s jiu-jitsu capital. We look forward to welcoming athletes and fans from 137 countries.”

Aref Hamad Al-Awani, secretary-general of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, emphasized the championship’s role in reinforcing the city’s standing in the global sports arena.

“This championship solidifies Abu Dhabi’s track record in hosting world-class events, and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council stands ready to provide every support needed to achieve our shared goals.”

This year’s championship will feature an extended schedule, additional mats, and increased capacity to accommodate more athletes across various categories.

The event culminates in the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards, which honors the year’s standout athletes, academies and federations.

Other officials and sponsor representatives who attended the press conference included Ahmed Abdullah Al-Qubaisi, executive director of the Support Services Sector; Yaqoub Al-Saadi, head of Abu Dhabi Sports Channels; and Fahad Ali Al-Shamsi, secretary-general of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation.

Also in attendance were Saed Hijazi Salama, general manager of sales at Premier Motors; Futoon Al-Mazrouei, group head of consumer banking at First Abu Dhabi Bank; and Mona Hassan Sadoun, vice president of customer service and marketing at Al-Tayer Motors.