A scientific conference, "Applying AI Technology in Physical and Mental Healthcare," convened at Gia An 115 Hospital (TP HCM High-Tech Healthcare Zone) on 14/1. The event drew 300 experts, doctors, and researchers from healthcare and technology, alongside leaders from various ministries and sectors.

At the start of the program, Associate Professor, Doctor Nguyen Tri Thuc, Deputy Minister of Health, stated that the conference's topic aligns with the nation's preparation to enter an "era of transformation," focusing entirely on innovation. He noted that artificial intelligence (AI) is vital across all sectors, particularly healthcare, which is closely tied to patients and social well-being.

The Deputy Minister highlighted the core difference between AI and humans as the "heart." He stated, "AI lacks a heart, but for humans, especially medical professionals, the heart is paramount." He asserted that AI cannot replace doctors in values like conscience, responsibility, and empathy, no matter how advanced technology becomes.

Associate Professor, Doctor Nguyen Tri Thuc, Deputy Minister of Health, presents flowers to Ms. Tran Thi Lam at the conference. Photo: Huynh Phuong

Sharing this perspective, Ms. Tran Thi Lam, founder of Hoa Lam Group, Head of Strategy for the TP HCM High-Tech Healthcare Zone, and Honorary Chair of the TP HCM Health Science Association, noted that artificial intelligence is already present in every decision, system, and method of healthcare delivery.

"The most important question remains how to make technology serve people, rather than allowing people to be overwhelmed by technology," Ms. Lam stated. With this philosophy, Hoa Lam aims to build a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem where high technology is paired with medical ethics, trust, and empathy.

Following this, Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, CEO of the Boston Global Forum and founder of the AI World Society, also suggested that while AI is powerful, only humans can make it more humane. He explained that artificial intelligence is driving medicine to shift from passive treatment to proactive, preventive, and personalized care, but this must be implemented alongside ethical standards and personal data protection.

Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan presents his report at the conference. Photo: Huynh Phuong

Approaching the topic from a sociological perspective, Professor E Glen Weyl, an economist and social political innovator, analyzed that AI's effectiveness in healthcare depends not only on algorithms but also on the level of patient trust and willingness to participate.

Professor E Glen Weyl proposed that AI systems should be seen as part of social infrastructure, where transparency, accountability, and community participation are crucial in protecting human dignity and strengthening the relationship between patients and the healthcare system.

In the field of oncology, Professor Jan Mou Lee, General Director of FullHope Biomedical, introduced AI-powered platforms for precise diagnosis and personalized medicine in treating cancer and autoimmune diseases, including: immune cell therapy and circulating tumor cell (CTC) testing.

Drawing from domestic clinical practice, Doctor Pham Tuan Anh, Head of Department A at K Hospital, discussed AI's growing role throughout the cancer care chain. This includes risk assessment, early screening, diagnostic imaging, pathology, treatment protocol development, and monitoring treatment response.

According to Mr. Pham Tuan Anh, artificial intelligence helps doctors effectively manage large volumes of data, reduce professional errors, and enhance the quality of clinical decisions. However, AI must be implemented cautiously, ensuring data security and equitable access to the technology.

From a medical technology enterprise perspective, Doctor Trinh Hoang Ha, Senior External Relations Director at Siemens Healthineers, stated that AI solutions improve diagnostic capabilities for common life-threatening diseases like cancer, neurological conditions, and cardiovascular diseases. They also help doctors make faster, more accurate decisions.

Ms. Tran Thi Lam takes a commemorative photo with experts and speakers. Photo: Huynh Phuong

Before the event concluded, many guests lauded the TP HCM High-Tech Healthcare Zone (invested by Hoa Lam Group) as a pioneering model that integrates modern medical technology with a human-centered approach. They noted its significant role in achieving the goal of "building a smart, safe, patient-centered healthcare ecosystem."

Dong Ve