As an Ethiopian, when I or my family get sick, my first thought is always, “Where’s the nearest hospital or clinic?” Waiting hours in line for a doctor, the lack of specialists nearby, or the shortage of medical equipment are my constant challenges. Sometimes I wonder, “But what if one day robot doctors come and change all of this?”
I constantly hear about how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics are transforming the healthcare sector. Robots are performing surgeries, diagnosing diseases with high accuracy, and even consulting patients remotely. When I think about this, I’m both amazed and hopeful. In our rural areas, where access to a doctor can be a matter of life or death, robot doctors could bring about a huge change. Oh, how many people would be spared from hardship if that were the case!
Ethiopia’s Current Situation
But then, when I consider the reality, anxiety creeps in. Many healthcare facilities in Ethiopia still rely on paper-based systems. Power outages, internet problems, and a lack of modern medical equipment remain challenges in many places. The implementation of robot doctors and AI requires significant infrastructure and skilled professionals. Are we ready for this?
Currently, the use of AI in Ethiopia’s healthcare sector is limited. Some studies indicate that students in most educational institutions are using AI tools like ChatGPT for information. While new hospitals are acquiring modern equipment, robotic surgery and fully AI-driven medical services are not widely accessible. I ask myself, “How can robot doctors come about in our current situation?” Hospitals are often overwhelmed with patients, medications go missing, and sometimes there are even sanitation issues. Without addressing these fundamental problems, talking about robot doctors feels like a luxury.
Hope for Tomorrow
However, I still have hope. I hear that the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute is working on various AI projects, including technology to detect breast cancer. This is a great start. Perhaps these technologies will gradually integrate into our main healthcare system, solving initial problems and paving the way for robot doctors.
We still have a long way to go to fully see robot doctors in action. But for an Ethiopian like me, it gives hope for better healthcare services in the future. Perhaps robot doctors won’t be in every rural area soon, but AI technologies can greatly assist our healthcare professionals by speeding up diagnoses and improving access to medical services. Then, instead of wandering the streets when I’m sick, I might be able to get better, modern care. I look forward to that day with anticipation.
