KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry is open to incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) technology for disease detection, particularly in cancer diagnosis within public hospitals.
In a parliamentary written reply, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said that the technology must first be proven safe, effective, and cost-efficient before it is fully integrated into the healthcare system.
"AI technology holds great potential in enhancing healthcare systems, particularly in the early diagnosis and detection of diseases like cancer. However, its benefits and potential need to be thoroughly assessed to ensure that AI can make a positive impact and be safely integrated into the country's healthcare system," he said in response to a query from Wong Chen (PH-Subang).
Wong had inquired whether the ministry is considering the implementation of AI for cancer detection in public hospitals.
Dr Dzulkefly said the ministry's Health Technology Assessment Section (MaHTAS) has conducted several evaluations of AI technologies designed to assist in cancer detection.
"These assessments include studies on AI's effectiveness in screening for various types of cancer, namely lung cancer, breast cancer, and cervical cancer. The AI for lung cancer screening is being tested at the National Cancer Institute and will soon expand to other hospitals, including Cyberjaya, Kajang, and Putrajaya.
"As for breast cancer and cervical cancer, further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of AI in these areas," he said.
Dr Dzulkefly also said that MaHTAS has evaluated AI technologies in other medical applications, such as the early detection of tuberculosis using chest X-rays and AI-integrated mobile ultrasound applications.