REPORT ON ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN PUBLIC
HEALTH
Submitted by:
NAME REGISTRATION NO.
Mokkapati Akhila AP24110010748
Hanam Venkata Naga Harshitha AP24110010898
K.B.S.K.S Akshaya AP24110011022
Kusumanchi Sritha AP24110011082
Manyam Raghavi AP24110011513
Submitted to
Dr.Nirav P.Raval
Department of Environmental Science & Engineering
SRM University-AP,
Neerukonda,Mangalagiri,Andhra Pradesh
5522240 April-2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
1. INTRODUCTION
2. KEY APPLICATIONS OF AI IN PUBLIC HEALTH
2.1DISEASE SURVEILLANCE AND PREDICTION
2.2HEALTH DIAGNOSIS
2.3PERSONALISED MEDICINE AND TREATMENT PLANS
2.4PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY AND RESOURCE ALLOCATION
2.5AI FOR HEALTH EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
3. BENEFITS OF AI IN PUBLIC HEALTH
3.1IMPROVED HEALTH CARE ACCESS
3.2ENHANCED DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY
3.3COST EFFICIENCY
3.4FASTER DECISION MAKING
4. CHALLENGES AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
4.1DATA PRIVACY AND SECURITY
4.2ALGORITHMIC BIAS
4.3ETHICAL DILEMMAS IN AI-DRIVEN HEALTHCARE
4.4INFRASTRUCTURE AND INTEGRATION BARRIERS
5. CASE STUDY
5.1 AI IN COVID-19-BlueDot
6. VISUAL DATA
6.1BAR GRAPH
6.2PIE CHART
7. CONCLUSION
1. INTRODUCTION:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has, in recent years, become a very potent tool whose
potential to revolutionize and redesign the public health landscape in the way
we have come to recognize it cannot be overstated. With the ability to
effectively tap the potential of complex algorithms, machine learning methods,
and the analysis of large-scale big data, AI offers a plethora of new solutions that
seek to respond to multifaceted health issues confronting societies in the
modern era. These range from disease prevention and disease surveillance
initiatives, enhancing overall access to healthcare among various populations,
and maximizing the distribution of resources in a more effective and efficient
way. With such public health systems worldwide now being stretched to their
limits by increasing healthcare expenditures, an aging population, and the sheer
weight placed on them by chronic diseases, AI presents itself as a viable solution
for improving efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility in the public health system.
The use of artificial intelligence in public health entails a wide and varied range of
fields and activities. In particular, AI is used to track and predict potential
outbreaks of disease, and to detect and analyze trends in various patterns of
health over time. Additionally, AI is a key element in the creation of personalized
and customized treatment regimes that are customized to meet the individual
needs of specific patients, as well as to play an important role in determining
and shaping policy decisions that affect public health as a whole.
Additionally, artificial intelligence-based technologies are now revolutionizing the
provision of healthcare services in many different ways, including the use of
state-of-the-art systems to aid medical experts in making precise diagnoses,
enable virtual consultations between
medical experts and patients, and improve overall health education at the
community level.
But with increasing use of AI in public health, there are also increasing challenges of
data privacy, bias, equity, and regulation. The ethical considerations of applying
AI in health care need to be managed carefully to ensure that these technologies
are applied in a way that benefits the lives of all groups proportionally and
safely.
This comprehensive report explores the revolutionary and transformative elements of
artificial intelligence, or AI, as they relate to the public health domain. It critically
examines some of its uses across various domains, identifies the potential
benefits that can be harvested through its adoption, addresses the myriad
challenges that may arise, and addresses the ethical and regulatory
considerations that are bound to accompany its adoption. By comprehensively
knowing both the current implications and potential possibilities of AI in the
public health domain, we can act positively to prepare ourselves better for its
mass adoption. Furthermore, this knowledge will allow us to ensure that AI is
used efficiently to create and build healthier societies for all the stakeholders.
2. KEY APPLICATIONS OF AI IN PUBLIC HEALTH:
2.1 DISEASE SURVEILLANCE AND PREDICTION:
Disease surveillance is a term that is used to refer to the ongoing and systematic
process of acquiring, analyzing, and interpreting health-related information, with
the ultimate aim of monitoring the transmission of diseases and detecting
important trends that are relevant to public health. Over the last couple of years,
we have witnessed the meteoric development of artificial intelligence (AI) as a
fast-emerging tool that is playing a pivotal role in streamlining the activities of
disease surveillance and enabling the prediction of likely outbreaks. AI
possesses the unique feature of scanning and scrutinizing vast volumes of
health-related information that is sourced from a wide range of diverse sources,
including hospitals, clinics, public health institutions, and even some social
media platforms. This unique feature enables AI to signal likely outbreaks at
their nascent stages, predict trends associated with the spread of diseases, and
provide invaluable information that can be effectively utilized to inform timely
and appropriate interventions.
2.2 HEALTH DIAGNOSIS:
DIAGNOSTIC AI APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY BENEFITS
AREA USED
Radiology Image analysis (X- Deep Faster and more
rays, CT scans, MRIs) Learning, accurate
CNNs detection of
tumors, fractures,
etc.
Pathology Slide image Image Early cancer
examination and Recognition detection,
anomaly detection Algorithms reduced human
error
Cardiology ECG Machine Early warning of
interpretation, Learning, Signal cardiac events,
heart disease Processing personalized
risk prediction treatment
Dermatology Skin lesion CNN’S Instant analysis via
mobile apps,
improved early
diagnosis
Ophthalmology Diabetic retinopathy AI Imaging, Deep High accuracy in
and glaucoma Learning detecting
detection vision-related
diseases
Oncology Tumor classification Predictive Tailored therapy,
and treatment Analytics early intervention
planning
Genomics Genetic mutation AI-based Personalized
detection and disease Genome medicine based
risk prediction Sequencing on genetic profile
Primary Care Symptom checker and NLP, Faster diagnosis,
triage systems Decision reduces burden on
Trees doctors
Mental Health Mood pattern analysis, Sentiment Supports mental
early detection of Analysis, health
depression/anxiety NLP assessment and
intervention
2.3 PERSONALIZED MEDICINE AND TREATMENT PLANS
Personalized medicine, or precision medicine in other terminology, is a new
practice of healthcare that meticulously individualizes medical treatment
precisely to the unique characteristics and requirements of each individual
patient. This comprehensive approach involves an enormous number of factors,
including the patient's genetic profile, their lifestyle choices, the environmental
factors under which they live, as well as their detailed medical history. With the
advancements brought about by Artificial Intelligence (AI), personalized
medicine has become much more accurate, on a much greater scale, and
available to a greater portion of the population, facilitating improved healthcare
outcomes in a personalized manner for each individual person.
2.4 PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY AND RESOURCE ALLOCATION
Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is increasingly serving as a foundational and
disruptive force in the development and design of public health policy while also
streamlining the distribution of healthcare resources. By engaging in the
review of large and comprehensive datasets—such as but not limited to
population health data, hospital bed capacities, and incidence patterns of
disease—AI empowers governments and health organizations with the ability to
make data-driven decisions that are informed. These informed decisions are
crafted to maximize the effect of health initiatives, improve fairness and equity
in the healthcare system, and facilitate a quick response to emerging and
changing health threats that may emanate in our society.
2.5 AI FOR HEALTH EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
AI is playing a transformative role in healthcare and health awareness,
reshaping how we detect, diagnose, manage, and prevent disease. Here's a
breakdown of the key ways AI is being used in health and awareness:
1. AI in Health: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Monitoring
● Early Detection & Diagnosis
● Treatment Recommendations
● Health Monitoring & Wearables
2. AI in Health Awareness and Prevention
● Health Campaigns & Education
● Public Health & Epidemiology
● Mental Health & Wellness
TOOL FOCUS
Coursera/EdApp with AI Adaptive health courses personalized by AI
Body Interact Virtual patient simulations for med students
Watson Assistant for HealthAI assistant for answering health-related questions
PsyberGuide AI reviews mental health apps for education and credibility
3. BENEFITS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
3.1 IMPROVED HEALTH CARE ACCESS
AI is making it easier for more people to access the healthcare they need, especially
those living far from hospitals or who struggle to see a doctor.
1. Talking to a Doctor from Home: Thanks to AI, individuals can consult with a
doctor online. This technology can help assess symptoms, translate languages,
and provide guidance on next steps—all from the comfort of home.
2. Helpful Chatbots: Some AI tools function like friendly assistants, ready to
answer health questions at any hour, help schedule appointments, remind you
to take your medication, or even check in on how you’re feeling.
3. Smart Devices that Track Your Health: Gadgets like smartwatches can
monitor your heart rate, blood sugar, or oxygen levels. AI plays a crucial role in
interpreting this data and alerting you if something seems off.
4. Sending Help Where It’s Needed Most: AI analyzes health data to identify
where doctors, medications, or vaccines are most required, ensuring that
assistance reaches the right people at the right time.
5. Breaking Language Barriers: AI can translate health information into various
languages or local dialects, making it easier for more individuals to understand
and receive the care they need.
3.2 ENHANCED DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY
AI is a game-changer for doctors, helping them diagnose patients more quickly and
accurately.
1. Spotting Issues Early: AI can analyze X-rays and scans to detect early signs
of illnesses like cancer or infections, sometimes even before a doctor has a
chance to see them. This means patients can receive treatment sooner.
2. Learning from a Wealth of Data: AI taps into a vast pool of health
information from countless patients. By learning from this data, it assists
doctors in understanding potential issues based on similar cases.
3. Reducing Errors: Doctors are human, and they can get fatigued or
overlook details. AI acts as an extra set of eyes, double-checking information
to minimize the risk of missing something important.
4. Assistance in Busy or Remote Areas: In bustling hospitals or places lacking
specialists, AI can provide quick insights, helping local doctors make informed
decisions more effectively.
3.3 COST EFFICIENCY
What AI Does Why It Helps Save Money
Does simple tasks quickly AI can help with things like checking
results or answering questions, so
doctors and nurses have more time.
Helps avoid extra tests AI helps doctors make better choices, so
patients don’t need tests or treatments
they don’t really need.
Finds problems early Catching illnesses early means it’s
cheaper and easier to treat.
Helps plan better in hospitals AI shows where doctors, nurses, or
supplies are needed, so nothing is
wasted.
Makes care more affordable AI tools like health apps and online
check-ups make basic care
cheaper and easier to reach.
3.4 FASTER DECISION MAKING
AI helps doctors make decisions faster. It can quickly look at things like test
results, scans, and patient history—stuff that might take a human much longer
to go through. This means doctors don’t have to wait as long to figure out
what’s wrong and can help the patient right away.
1. In serious situations, like a heart attack or stroke, AI can spot the danger
signs and alert doctors immediately. That way, they can take action fast and
possibly save someone’s life.
2. AI can also give quick suggestions about what the illness might be and
how to treat it, which helps doctors feel more confident in their choices.
Overall, AI helps speed things up so patients don’t have to wait too long to get the right
care.
4. CHALLENGES AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
As artificial intelligence (AI) technologies rapidly advance and integrate into various
sectors, several challenges
4.1 DATA PRIVACY AND SECURITY
AI systems heavily rely on large datasets, often containing sensitive personal
information. In sectors like
Key Challenges:-
Unauthorized Data Access: Risks of data being accessed by unauthorized individuals
or entities. Data Breaches: Potential for sensitive data leaks through cyberattacks or
system vulnerabilities. User Consent and Transparency: Ensuring users are aware of
how their data is collected, stored, and us
Solutions:-
Implement strong encryption, anonymization, and access control
policies. Enforce clear data governance and consent management
frameworks.
Regularly audit and monitor data security protocols.
4.2 ALGORITHMIC BIAS
AI models learn patterns from historical data, which may contain human or
systemic bias. Key Challenges:-
Biased Training Data: Historical data may reflect social inequalities or
stereotypes. Discriminatory Outcomes: AI decisions may favor or
disadvantage specific groups.
Lack of Diversity in AI Design: Homogeneous development teams may overlook
diverse perspectives
Solutions:- Use diverse, balanced, and representative
datasets. Conduct bias detection, fairness audits, and impact
assessments.
Include multidisciplinary and diverse teams in AI development processes.
4.3 ETHICAL DILEMMAS IN AI-DRIVEN HEALTHCARE
AI holds great promise in healthcare by enhancing diagnosis, treatment
planning, and patient management.
Key Challenges:-
Responsibility and Accountability: Determining who is liable for AI-driven medical
errors or adverse outcomes.
Patient Consent and Trust: Ensuring patients are informed about AI
involvement in their care.
Bias in Medical AI: Risk of underdiagnosis or overtreatment of certain demography.
Solutions:- Clearly define legal and ethical responsibilities for AI-assisted
decisions. Develop transparent AI systems with explainable outputs for
clinicians and patients. Establish ethical guidelines and approval frameworks for
AI-based healthcare applications.
4.4 INFRASTRUCTURE AND INTEGRATION BARRIERS
The successful deployment of AI systems requires compatible infrastructure and
seamless integration.
Key Challenges:-
Technical Limitations: Inadequate computational resources, data storage, and
network capabilities.
Legacy Systems: Difficulty integrating AI solutions with outdated systems.
Cost and Complexity: High costs and technical expertise required for AI implementation.
Solutions:- Invest in scalable, cloud-based, and high-performance computing
infrastructure. Modernize and standardize data formats and system interfaces.
Offer training programs and technical support to aid AI adoption.
5. VISUAL ANALYSIS:
5.1 BAR GARAPH:
5.2 PIE CHART:
The figure 5.1 describes about the projected growth of the Global Artificial
Intelligence in Healthcare Market from 2022 to 2032
● Strong upward trend, indicating rapid and consistent growth in the
use of AI in healthcare over the decade
● Values for 2023-2031: Labeled as XX.XX which suggests they were
either not finalized.
The figure 5.2 describes about the Application of AI in Medical Science
● Shows how AI is being used across different sectors of medical science
● This chart also highlights that AI’s biggest impact in healthcare right
now is in drug development.
6.CASE STUDY:
6.1 AI IN COVID-19-BlueDot:
Background:
In December 2019, prior to the world's knowledge of COVID-19, BlueDot, a Canadian AI firm,
employed artificial intelligence to identify the outbreak. Its AI examined news articles, air
ticketing patterns, and animal disease outbreaks to identify anomalous pneumonia cases in
Wuhan, China — days ahead of official warnings by health agencies.
How AI Helped:
Early Warning:
BlueDot's AI platform warned clients of the outbreak on December 31, 2019, before WHO's
initial official announcement.
Tracking Spread:
It forecasted the cities where the virus would first spread using flight data.
Decision Support:
Governments and health agencies utilized this information to prepare earlier and respond
better.
Impact:
Provided precious head start to public health authorities.
Contained spread in certain areas with early advisories.
Showed how AI can handle huge data more quickly than human analysts.
Main point:
AI can be an early warning system for future pandemics, saving lives and facilitating faster
global response.
7.CONCLUSION:
Preventive health is becoming a powerful image in transforming public health. As
global health systems continue to face new threats from new diseases,
environmental shifts, and an increase in population mobility, AI presents a
smarter way to view and act on health threats. AI can analyze a massive
amount of data that is continuously being generated from many sources; for
example, electronically captured health department information,
environmental data sets, social media posts, commuter/recreational activities, climate data,
all of which allow AI to identify aberrational trends and predict outbreaks, and
evaluate health threats quickly.
AI's most important contribution to public health is early detection. AI
systems can recognize the indicators of a disease outbreak prior to its full-
fledged development.
Speeding up a response can lessen the impact on a community. AI systems can
monitor the incidence of a new infection, spatialize the disease transmission,
and even predict where the trajectory of the outbreak might lead next. The task
of informing decisions about what resources to apply, what to communicate to
the public, and how to contain the spread, often falls on health professionals.
AI also has the potential of optimizing better surveillance. As opposed
to health systems that depend on timeliness in surveillance reporting (and often
incomplete data), an AI system applies real-time intelligence in tracking,
analyzing and quickly identifying disease outbreaks while continuously scanning
for any deviation of what is accepted to be the norm; patterns or oddities. In this
case, in public health, real-time surveillance is very important in dense urban
areas or populations that have limited resources, where the time it takes to
address the spread of disease is critical.
While there are many benefits to AI in public health, there are still challenges.
“AI is not here to replace humans in public health, it's here to empower us.
With the right partnerships, smart policies, and evolving technology, we can predict
and prevent the next big health threat before it even starts.”
