AI in Healthcare: A Global Index to Bridge the Gap Between Readiness and Reality

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Unveiling the First Global AI in Healthcare Index at Web Summit Qatar 2025

At Web Summit Qatar 2025, a panel discussion titled “AI in Healthcare, Readiness, Reality, and Roadblocks” unveiled a groundbreaking initiative: the world’s first AI in Healthcare Index. This project, a collaboration between the Global Council and the Qatar Computing and Research Institute (QCRI), marks a significant step towards understanding and addressing the global readiness for AI adoption in healthcare.

The panel, moderated by Mr. Ahmed Hila, MENA Director at Global Council, featured prominent figures in the field: Dr. Ahmed Elmagarmid, Founding Executive Director of QCRI, Dr. Harmain Harmain, Lead Consultant and Professor of Computer Science at the University of Tripoli, and Dr. Harpreet Sood, Physician and Advisor to Global Council.

The discussion highlighted the rapid evolution of AI and its transformative potential in healthcare, particularly in areas like drug discovery and personalized medicine. Qatar, with its significant investments in both AI and healthcare, is uniquely positioned to lead this initiative. The index itself, built upon a data-driven assessment tool, utilizes 40 indicators across five key pillars: digital foundation, research framework, data, AI governance, and public readiness.

This comprehensive approach aims to provide policymakers with a clear roadmap for policy reform, enabling them to identify areas for improvement and adopt best practices from high-performing countries. The panel emphasized the importance of addressing public concerns surrounding AI in healthcare, particularly regarding trust, transparency, and data privacy.

The index, set to formally launch in April, will initially cover 20 countries, with plans for future expansion to encompass more nations and sectors, including education. The ultimate goal is to provide a trusted, data-driven tool that guides effective resource allocation and fosters confidence in AI’s potential to revolutionize healthcare globally.