AI chatbots are now common on Singapore’s healthcare websites, offering 24/7 assistance and admin support. But can we really rely on them for medical advice?
Mr B missed his polyclinic appointment again for his diabetes check-up. But this time, rescheduling was easy – all he had to do was open the clinic’s website and use the chatbot. In seconds, a new date was set.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has been making strides across many aspects of our lives, including healthcare. From answering health questions to managing appointments, AI-powered chatbots are now a familiar feature on many medical websites. These virtual assistants have helped reduce the load for healthcare professionals such as doctors and pharmacists by handling simple tasks.
While their efficiency is undeniable, so are the questions about safety, accuracy, and data privacy.
AI in Our Healthcare System
With Singapore’s ageing population and a rising demand for medical services, AI has quickly found its place in both clinical settings and patient-facing platforms.
Smarter Dental Scans for Early Detection
The National Dental Centre Singapore (NDCS) and Yuyi Dental are working together to use AI scanners to enhance oral healthcare. AI tools like the iOoeli scanner can detect dental issues early, providing more accessible care and preventive measures, especially for children and seniors.
Dental Screening Tool at Your Fingertips
National Dental Centre Singapore (NDCS) rolled out an oral screening tool in the Health Buddy app. It includes two self-assessments, which are the Simplified Nomogram (to assess gum disease risk) and the Oral Frailty Index-8 (OFI-8) (to check for oral frailty risk). This tool offers personalised recommendations and educational content based on the results.
AI Sensors to Monitor Patients in Hospitals
Hospitals in Singapore are using an AI system named PreSAGE to predict when patients might try to leave their beds. It uses thermographic cameras to detect movement and heat patterns, saving the nurses some time so that they can focus on more urgent tasks. These AI sensors have helped nurses save up to 10 minutes per patient.
AI That Understands Singlish
AI Singapore’s Speech Lab has come up with an AI model that understands and transcribes Singlish, which is a mix of English, Mandarin, Malay, and local dialects. Adopted by SingHealth Polyclinics, this model aids medical staff to communicate better with patients during interviews. It is also tested by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) to help 995 call responders during emergencies.
Chatbot for Chronic Disease Management
The National University Health System (NUHS) launched CHAMP, a WhatsApp-based chatbot that helps patients to monitor and share their blood pressure and heart rate with the medical team daily. This chatbot has benefitted many, especially those aged 60 and above. Among 3,000 users, CHAMP led to an average systolic blood pressure reduction of 5–10 mmHg, which can greatly reduce the risks of cardiovascular events by 10%. More features, such as logging blood sugar levels and other health data, are on the way.
A Personal Agent for Gout Patients
Set to undergo trials within SingHealth Polyclinics, HELF AI’s GoutBuddy is not just another chatbot – it functions more like a personalised AI agent for patients living with gout.
Delivered through the app, GoutBuddy tailors educational content, medication reminders, and lifestyle recommendations based on the user’s input and condition history. By acting as a digital extension of the patient’s care team, this AI agent bridges gaps in chronic disease management – and may signal a shift towards more proactive, patient-centred care models.
The Perks
While AI use is growing fast in the healthcare system, these virtual companions are also playing significant roles relieving some of the pressure from a stretched system.
✅ It is Always Available
Unlike human staff, AI chatbots need no breaks. They can provide round-the-clock assistance, offering information and support to the users when clinics are closed. This accessibility can be a great help for patients seeking answers after regular working hours.
✅ It Reduces Administrative Burden
AI chatbots can take over repetitive and non-clinical tasks such as scheduling appointments, sending reminders, or answering common questions. This frees up healthcare professionals to focus on more complex patient care.
✅ It is Cost-Effective
Especially in smaller clinics, chatbots help manage growing patient loads without needing to hire more staff. It is a cost-effective way to stay responsive.
The Downsides
As helpful as it can be, AI comes with its own set of concerns.
❌ Misdiagnosis
Many AI tools are built on large language models (LLMs) trained on broad, non-clinical datasets. This becomes especially risky in healthcare, as these AI systems are not designed to diagnose conditions or interpret symptoms reliably.
Worse still, they can hallucinate – when an AI generates information that sounds plausible but is completely fabricated. In a medical context, this could mean offering inaccurate explanations, suggesting non-existent treatments, or downplaying serious symptoms.
Using such tools as a substitute for professional medical advice may lead to misdiagnosis, delayed care, and potentially harmful outcomes. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any health-related concerns.
❌ Data Privacy Concerns
AI chatbots often collect sensitive health information such as medical and medication history. This makes them the prime targets for cyberattacks. Without stringent data protection measures, there is a real risk of data breaches, compromising patients’ trust.
❌ Bias in the Algorithms
AI is only as good as the data it is trained on. If the data reflects existing biases such as gender, age or race, these virtual companions can provide inaccurate information.
Striking the Right Balance
AI chatbots are proving to be valuable allies in a stretched healthcare system – offering 24/7 support, easing administrative load, and helping patients manage chronic conditions more consistently. They can improve access, reduce wait times, and give healthcare professionals more room to focus on complex care.
Used wisely, they are powerful tools to enhance efficiency and patient engagement – but they must always work alongside, not in place of, human expertise.
External References:
- Nurses save up to 10 minutes per patient with AI that senses when they leave their bed. The Straits Times. Updated: 15 March 2024. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/nurses-save-up-to-10-minutes-per-patient-with-ai-that-senses-when-they-leave-their-bed
- AI Masters Singlish in Key Breakthrough to Serve Healthcare and Patients’ Needs. The Straits Time. Updated: 14 November 2024. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/ai-masters-singlish-in-key-breakthrough-to-serve-healthcare-and-patients-needs
- From chatbots supporting patients to AI diagnostic tools, artificial intelligence is reshaping healthcare delivery, as evidenced at the IMAGINE AI event. Channel News Asia. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/brandstudio/IMAGINEAIHealthcare
