On first glance the title of this piece seems like a mere mistake or a simple error. Closer inspection of post-modern times, however, gives more sanity to the statement. Yes, there is a real possibility of machine learning helping  put artificial intelligence (A.I) in charge of healthcare. Indeed such is the case when Microsoft announced its new facility in Cambridge,UK to aid research in healthcare.(1) With its goal to “revolutionize healthcare” with technology, Microsoft launched this new healthcare division to keep patients on track with illnesses such as diabetes with constant reminders after key measurements.

Microsoft has hired Ian Buchan, who was a clinical professor for public health bioinformatics at the University of Manchester, to head the division. (2) Having over 25 years of experience as a data scientist constantly looking to improve healthcare, Microsoft seems to think that he’s the right man for the job. Buchan’s main focus is to provide personalized health monitoring systems that would monitor data and produce warnings to alert individuals of health hazards.

The prospects for machine learning are increasing exponentially as time passes by. Healthcare, education, engineering, there is no field left untouched by A.I. If one takes a moment to contextualize, a subscription based A.I application could save billions of dollars in a world where on average countries spend 10% of GDP on healthcare. (3) It not only saves money for governments that can reallocate expenditure elsewhere, it saves consumers valuable time which is of essence in a society fueled by consumerism. From a more humanitarian perspective, it gives access to health monitoring in geographically challenged areas or areas that cannot bear the cost of healthcare facilities.

From a business perspective, this venture would give Microsoft an unprecedented business edge. Several big technology companies (most recently Facebook with its A.I) have tried to experiment with A.I but nothing concrete has resulted.   Having a certain degree of mastery over A.I would enable Microsoft to merge two of the most dynamic (not to mention profitable) industries together and provide a product that is nothing short of sheer brilliance. The challenges they face, however, are many. The high cost of research is a starting point. Furthermore, this money could be invested elsewhere and result in a more profitable return. Although it is logical to assume that the accounting team must have done intensive calculations taking into account discounting rates and present values, there is always a certain fear that such big scale ventures would fall flat on their face.

Perhaps both the best and worst aspect about technology is its tendency to be disruptive. Over the last hundred years technology has changed aspects of the human life that were perceived as being unchangeable. A more recent example is that of crypto-currency especially Bitcoin. No one imagined that they would be able to send and receive money without fraud so quickly and without a third party who’s constantly looking to make their own profit. Similarly it is hard to imagine a world where going to a hospital is no longer required. Where, depending on the magnitude of the project, avoiding disease is simpler sitting at home than doing tedious check ups. The dreamer within all of us would also mumble: the possibility of free for all healthcare. It is truly amazing to be witnessing such inspiring times.

 

 

 

 

 

Citations:

 

1 Cara McGroogan , Microsoft launches new healthcare division based on A.I software,
Retrieved from: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2017/09/24/microsoft-launches-new-healthcare-division-based-artificial/

 

2 Mike Millard, U.K Microsoft division explores new ways to bring A.I to healthcare,
Retrieved from: http://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/uk-microsoft-division-explores-new-ways-bring-ai-healthcare

 

3 World Health Organization Global Health Expenditure database
Retrieved from: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SH.XPD.TOTL.ZS