The role of data science and Artificial Intelligence in healthcare as well as private sector’s role in healthcare are two of the core topics to be discussed during the 2018 global conference of The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), an initiative of Qatar Foundation (QF).

WISH 2018 will be held in Doha on November 13-14. WISH has also launched Doha Healthcare week, which will take place for the first time in November. 
The topics were announced during a WISH global research forum on Monday attended by QF vice chairperson and CEO HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, CEO Office executive director Omran al-Kuwari and local and international delegates. 
Addressing a press conference, Prof the Lord Darzi of Denham, executive chair of WISH, said the two topics will be the subjects of in-depth reports by two teams of experts in their fields. Sir David Nicholson, forum chair on role of private sector in healthcare, WISH 2018 and Prof Aziz Sheikh, forum chair on data science and artificial intelligence, in healthcare, WISH 2018, Khalid al-Emadi, CEO, Al Ahli Hospital and Sultana Afdhal, CEO, WISH also were present on the occasion.
The two topics will be explored, along with seven other subjects by more than 2,000 global healthcare policy-makers, practitioners, and innovators at WISH 2018. The other key topics include eye health, viral hepatitis, nursing and universal health coverage, design in health, healthcare in conflict settings, anxiety and depression, Islamic ethics and palliative care.
“Our summits attract so many of the world’s healthcare policy-makers as we’ve consistently been able to call upon exceptional experts to work with us to shape our detailed, evidence-based reports. For WISH 2018 our forum chairs and forum members, each of whom is recognised as a leader in their chosen field, are exploring nine diverse topics that deserve scrutiny and I’ve no doubt that their findings will deliver many fresh insights that will help shape health policy around the world for years to come,” said Lord Darzi. 
Sir Nicholson noted, “Populations around the world are living longer and using healthcare services more than ever before, which requires us to search for innovative ways to use private sector providers to complement often-overstretched government health systems. Our report aims to find examples of private healthcare sector best practice from around the world and to deliver recommendations that will help provide optimal patient-focused solutions that meet both existing and future needs.”
“Health policy-makers and leaders who do not invest in data science are ignoring one of the most powerful toolsets available to help address the challenges of economic unsustainability, sub-optimal access and patient experience, and poor and variable outcomes. Data science and Artificial Intelligence are rapidly disrupting many industries. In healthcare, we are just beginning to realise the possible opportunities that will transform service provision in the next decade,” explained Prof Sheikh
According to Afdhal, the inaugural Doha Healthcare Week will feature a a number of activities.
“It will include a film festival, thought-provoking talks, interactive workshops, sports activities, health check opportunities, and, above all, lots of opportunities to explore healthcare in an innovative and enjoyable way. We’re busy developing a diverse programme that will allow us to engage with a wide range of participants and partner organisations,” she added.

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