TANZANIA: IT’s a siren running on every elite’s mind, contemplating on an imaginary ambulance thought to carry the likely jobs to be injured by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Why everyone is supposed to be scared and where this ambulance is rushing the likely crippled jobs! Perhaps an Arab saying that “Benefits turn poison in bad minds.” Exactly “only in bad minds” not for the healthcare sector in Tanzania.
The phrase tells us that something which is beneficial only becomes a threat to closed minds because AI doesn’t entail to be feared of rather to be controlled for better desired results.
However, while it’s true that AI is reshaping the job landscape, this technology is not the imminent threat many believe it to be.
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) about 40 per cents of all jobs worldwide are exposed to Artificial intelligence.
Spanning from industrial, education to health sector and many more, the technology is set to bring transformation in various sectors.
According to IMF, AI will affect jobs around the world, replacing some and complementing others, thus call for a careful balance of policies to tap its potential.
IMF’s managing director Ms Kristalina Georgieva asserted that the technology is likely to worsen inequality among nations and called for careful balance and policies formulations that will benefits humanity.
In embracing the technology, the Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI) unveiled its unprecedented plans to incorporate AI in its surgical operations.
This was during the climax of the five days training camp in Dar es Salaam, focused on surgeons specialising in scoliosis and spinal problems. The trainer from Italy and Palestine were on board.
The Acting Director of MOI, Dr Lemari Mchome said that they were considering the application of artificial intelligence and robotic technology in future operations.
Dr Mchome stated: “And in the near future we are prepared to extend our facilities to have more heaters and one of them will be hybrid theatres that will allow us to use robots to operate and train our people to make sure that we embrace this technology rather than running away from it.
” Considering that, there are some surgical operations that involve the applications of X-Rays, which exposes both the patients and the specialist into some radioactive risks, the application of AI is expected to mitigate such peril.
Dr Mchome further highlighted that up to the moment they are using the AI through Brain Lab which is a special machine for assisting the Surgeons to insert some operating tools like screws without using X-Rays.
Technology has been assisting local doctors by facilitating collaboration with specialists from abroad in conducting complex surgeries. The results have been remarkable, benefiting both patients and the nation at large.
Sharing his experience a specialist of pediatric orthopaedic surgeon from Palestine, Professor Alaa Ahmad said involving AI in the surgery operations would be a great back up to the local surgeons in Tanzania. He said the new system has already been installed in Nicaragua and that things have changed to better.
“During our discussions, we explored the inclusion of artificial intelligence in the program, which will provide continuous education. It’s not just about completing a single mission; rather, it will be an ongoing initiative planned by the administration.
Artificial intelligence plays a significant role now, and I am confident that it will greatly support our local surgeons in this field,” stated Prof Ahmad.
ON their part, some surgeons said apart from assisting them to do their job, AI still needs some experts to operate it. Dr Bryson Mcharo, a specialist in orthopedics and pediatrics, emphasised the importance for doctors to acquire new skills and knowledge in operating robotic machines.
According to Dr Mcharo, “Artificial intelligence is an emerging phenomenon, particularly in the developing world. To effectively utilise AI as a tool, doctors must possess the necessary knowledge. Knowledge is paramount, followed by practical experience. In order to control these robotic machines with AI, understanding the processes involved is essential.
” AI is an inevitable aspect that cannot be ignored. It brings about a sense of awe and surprise, but its potential to enhance surgical efficiency with greater accuracy, reduced time, and minimised pain is undeniable.
Addressing the issue on AI recently in the national assembly in Dodoma the Minster for Information, Communication and Information Technology Mr Nappe Nnauye said that the advancements in AI have a significant benefits for the country.
As a result, the Government has taken important ladders to prepare institutions and provide education about the technology.
“We have prepared our nation to recognise the opportunities within these changes. That is why we are teaching our children and educating our society, so that we are not left behind by this technology. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is inevitable, and we must prepare ourselves to face it,” said Minister Nape.
However, the AI technology seems to be a double edged sword the, United Nations Secretary-General Mr António Guterres addressing at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland last month, called on political and business leaders to prioritise a global strategy dealing with the threats of AI.
Mr Guterres warned that the rapid development of AI could result in serious unintended consequences.
“I believe this crisis is the direct result of a paradox facing our world. In the face of series of existential threats, posed by runaway climate chaos and the runaway development of artificial intelligence without guardrails, we seem powerless to act together,” Mr Gutteres said.
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