AI and healthcare in Uzbekistan: insights from doctors and the application of ChatGPT in medical practice.

The Covid-19 pandemic clearly highlighted the weaknesses in the medical training system in Uzbekistan. Before the pandemic, patients often survived not due to the efforts of the Ministry of Health, but in spite of them—engaging in self-medication, taking antibiotics without prescriptions, and ignoring preventive check-ups. With the arrival of the coronavirus, survival became a top priority, but it became evident that many doctors were working with outdated standards, failing to track modern protocols, and lacking access to up-to-date information.

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The situation remains challenging. According to specialists, outdated medications are still being prescribed in Uzbekistan, and there are difficulties in making accurate diagnoses, which often determine the patient's survival.

However, with the advancement of technology, doctors have started using artificial intelligence to enhance diagnosis and treatment. A striking example is the experience of immunologist Azizakhon Khojayeva with ChatGPT. Initially skeptical about the innovation, she was pleasantly surprised after using AI to analyze laboratory data, verify her assumptions, and refine treatment plans. "It's the perfect assistant that helps with complex questions and provides accurate recommendations on drug compatibility," she states.

In the Facebook group "Doctors of Tashkent," Azizakhon began regularly sharing examples of using ChatGPT to address medical issues, which sparked interest among her colleagues.

What Expert Doctors Say

Epileptologist Nodira Tuychibaeva shared her experience with AI:

• When to use AI: "I use AI for complex cases where symptoms do not fit into a single clinical picture. This usually happens after the appointment to clarify possible options."
• What AI is suitable for: "AI helps analyze MRI images and research data, but the final decision is always up to the doctor. The chat can help guide the process, but it's important to describe symptoms clearly and double-check conclusions."
• Risks of using AI: "One should not rely on AI blindly. Data on updated research and diseases may be lacking."

Ophthalmologist Nozima Nasreddinova emphasizes:

• "AI is a fantastic tool for screening and detecting abnormalities, but it cannot replace clinical thinking. It's essential to ask the right questions and verify information."

AI helps doctors save time, process large volumes of information, search for rare clinical cases, and refine treatments. However, its effectiveness depends on the specialist's knowledge level. An incompetent doctor will remain so even with AI's assistance, while an experienced professional can significantly enhance their work.

How to Use AI Effectively

ChatGPT developers offer advice on working with AI:

• Repeat queries to clarify information. AI may provide a deeper response after several attempts.
• Specify the role of the chat, for example: "You are an experienced endocrinologist with 20 years of experience. Provide a detailed answer."
• Verify data and request additional links and sources.
• AI can work with X-ray images, PDF files, text translations, and create summaries from research.

Concerns and Challenges

Among the challenges of using AI are the potential for misuse of the tools. For instance, patients may begin to self-medicate, relying on AI instead of visiting a doctor. However, developers have configured ChatGPT to always recommend seeking professional help.

AI is a powerful tool that can assist doctors in diagnosing faster and more accurately, processing data, and finding non-obvious solutions. However, professionalism and clinical thinking remain paramount. It is the combination of knowledge and technology that can significantly improve the quality of medicine in Uzbekistan.

• One in four hospital patients who died or were transferred to intensive care faced a diagnostic error.
• Approximately 800,000 people worldwide die or become disabled each year due to incorrect diagnoses.
• In Uzbekistan, over 845,000 individuals with disabilities are officially registered, but according to the World Bank, this number could reach 13.5% of the population.

AI is not a replacement for doctors but a reliable assistant capable of enhancing the professional and improving diagnostic quality.