South African healthcare professionals show unprecedented confidence in AI – Global Report reveals
South African healthcare professionals show greater confidence in AI compared to their global counterparts, with 91% believing digital health technologies including AI and predictive analytics will reduce hospital admissions in the future – well above the global average of 75%.
As a result, South Africa is well placed to lead in strategically adopting AI and digital technologies across diverse healthcare settings and communities.
This is according to the tenth edition of the Phillips Future Health Index 2025, which investigated how AI can empower healthcare professionals to deliver better care for more people.
Since its inception in 2016, the FHI program has used credible research to derive actionable insights that have initiated dialogue across the industry, with the aim to drive change.
Based on research conducted among nearly 2,000 healthcare professionals and more than 16,000 patients in 16 countries, it highlights healthcare professionals’ view on the rise of AI in healthcare and identifies critical opportunities to enhance their confidence in integrating AI into patient care.
It also examines the patient perspective, assessing their comfort with AI in healthcare and identifying opportunities to strengthen their trust in these technological advancements.
AI adoption in South African healthcare
The report revealed strong optimism toward AI’s transformative potential among South African healthcare professionals.
90% of healthcare professionals believe AI and predictive analytics could save lives by enabling early interventions, while 86% believe they will reduce acute or emergency medical procedures.
These numbers are notably higher than the global averages, showing a greater hunger for AI deployment in South Africa.
“South Africa has a tremendous opportunity to advance the future of healthcare through strategic AI implementation,” said Romulen Pillay, Managing Director of Philips Southern Africa.
“This strong professional confidence, combined with our diverse healthcare landscape, creates the foundation for AI adoption in healthcare that can serve as a model for other regions.”
Why it matters
While the report shows that healthcare professionals believe that, when implemented correctly, AI can help them reclaim valuable time by expanding capacity to serve more patients, the report also warns that failing to adopt swiftly could result in very real consequences for patients.
This year’s findings show that delays in patient care remain a critical issue in the country – as one in three patients report experiencing long wait times to secure an appointment.
Additionally, 7 in 10 said they experienced lengthy wait times to see a specialist.
The consequences of these delays can be critical for patients, as one third reported worsening health due to not seeing a doctor sooner, while 22% had to be admitted to a hospital due to long wait times.
“Time is not just a resource in healthcare; it’s the foundation of better patient outcomes,” said Romulen Pillay.
For more insights into the priorities and perspectives of healthcare professionals and patients, click here to download the Philips Future Health Index 2025 report.
Loading ...