Li gives $6m to support AI technology in 17 hospital emergency departments

Tycoon Li Ka-shing has donated HK$6 million to introduce artificial intelligence technology in accident and emergency departments across 17 public hospitals, the Hospital Authority said yesterday.

The donation from the Li Ka Shing Foundation will facilitate the analysis of brain computed tomography scan images, which would benefit over 570,000 patients' services in the next three years, the authority said as it extended its "heartfelt gratitude" to Li.

"It will facilitate more efficient and accurate analysis of CT brain scan images to identify life-threatening conditions such as brain injuries and intracranial hemorrhage," the authority said.

"The technology allows real-time analysis and detection of bleeding in brains, thereby improving accuracy and expediting the treatment process in critical situations."

Chairman of the authority Henry Fan Hung-ling said that the integration of AI technology will not only enhance the accuracy and efficiency in diagnosing acute brain problems, but it will also support in developing smart hospitals with digital healthcare services. "AI technology ultimately improves medical effectiveness and ensures the sustainable development of healthcare services," Fan said.

Li said he is privileged to be part of "HA's small steps of giant leaps into the future."

"The use of a comprehensive deep learning system can support radiologists and healthcare professionals with diagnostic accuracy, triage and flexibility to better serve our community," he said.

Li's donation "significantly alleviates the pressure" faced by the A&E departments of public hospitals amid growing demands caused by an aging population, the authority said.

"The aging population has resulted in an increasing number of patients with chronic diseases, leading to a growing demand for public healthcare services," it said, adding that the situation has posed "daunting challenges."

It is predicted that the number of patients with chronic diseases in Hong Kong will increase by over 50 percent, from around two million in 2019 to three million by 2039, according to the 2021 report.

The Hospital Authority has currently adopted AI technology in A&E departments and General Outpatient Clinics for the analysis of chest and hip joint X-ray images to reduce the time spent reviewing abnormal X-ray images.

It said more AI technologies will be introduced in hospitals to assist in image analysis and enhance diagnostic efficiency in the future.