Shaping healthcare through digital innovation

In a transformative conversation on digital health transformation, the focus is on infrastructure development, partnerships, and technological initiatives. The healthcare sector is experiencing a significant evolution within healthcare facilities, making a tangible difference in access to and delivery of care, ultimately improving patients' lives worldwide. CNBC Africa recently spoke with Koen Kas, Chief Executive Officer at Healthskouts in Belgium, shedding light on the potential impact of digital innovation on healthcare systems, particularly in Africa. Kas discussed various intriguing possibilities inspired by existing concepts, such as the utilization of AI to predict future viral outbreaks, drawing parallels with Airbus' approach to developing antibodies for potential future viruses. This innovation could potentially revolutionize healthcare across the African continent and save countless lives. Kas also shared his vision of transforming sick care into a proactive healthcare model, emphasizing the shift towards value-based systems that prioritize prevention and prediction over the traditional pay-per-performance model. He expressed his belief that Africa has the opportunity to reimagine healthcare systems from scratch, leveraging technology and innovation to enhance overall well-being. Kas highlighted the importance of advisory services in aligning healthcare solutions with the specific challenges faced by African healthcare systems. He introduced the concept of 'delight thinking,' a methodology focused on building transformative experiences that drive change and are embraced by healthcare professionals. This approach aims to reduce barriers to adopting digital and AI tools, making it applicable across various organizations seeking to transition into a more digitally-driven environment. Reflecting on a panel discussion he moderated on global health transformation and delivery, Kas emphasized the collective enthusiasm and eagerness among participants to learn and implement change. He expressed optimism that even small, incremental changes can pave the way for significant advancements in healthcare delivery. Looking ahead, Kas outlined his vision for the future of digital healthcare systems in Africa, emphasizing the need to shift the perception of infrastructure from traditional brick-and-mortar structures to data-driven models. Drawing inspiration from the disruptive innovation of companies like Airbnb, Kas proposed a novel concept of an 'Airbnb for healthcare,' envisioning a platform where citizens can securely store and share health data to enable personalized healthcare solutions powered by AI. This vision underscores the potential for digital technology to revolutionize healthcare access, delivery, and overall outcomes across the African continent, fostering a more efficient and effective healthcare ecosystem.