A Shanghai health tech firm has put the world’s first artificial intelligence (AI) doctor to work in Saudi Arabia, a major step in computer-driven healthcare.Synyi AI says its digital physician, an avatar named Dr. Hua, now greets patients at a pilot clinic run with the Almoosa Health Group. Visitors start by tapping their symptoms into a tablet. The program then launches a friendly back-and-forth, asking extra questions to build a full picture of the client’s health issues.Human assistants gather more facts, such as cardiograms, X-rays, and basic lab results. .Dr. Hua crunches the data, produces a diagnosis, and writes a treatment plan. A licensed doctor checks the file before medication is issued, but never sees the patient in person.“It’s the last leap,” said Synyi Chief Executive Zhang Shaodian, pointing out that tests show an error rate under 0.3%. “AI has moved from helping doctors to becoming the diagnosing mind, with people providing the safety net.”Opened in April, the Saudi trial limits itself to about 30 respiratory problems such as asthma and sore throats. .All visits are free while Synyi gathers evidence for healthcare regulators.The company hopes to widen Dr. Hua’s skill set to roughly 50 conditions within a year, adding stomach and skin disorders. Talks are underway to place similar kiosks in other Saudi hospitals as part of a regional expansion, which is Synyi’s first venture outside China.Saudi officials seem eager to adopt the new technology. The kingdom’s new Regulatory Healthcare Sandbox seeks to fast track tools like AI, 3D printing, and biotechnology while keeping patients safe. .Industry analysts estimate full approval for large scale use could arrive in about 18 months, once the Saudi Food and Drug Authority reviews the pilot data.Founded in 2016, Synyi AI built its reputation on natural language software that helps doctors sort records. Backed by Tencent and other investors, it has raised about $192 million USD and already works with more than 800 Chinese hospitals and medical schools.If the Saudi project successfully clears the final hurdles, Dr. Hua could bring in a new era in global healthcare, where the act of visiting a doctor might soon involve interacting with an AI machine.
