KARACHI:
Covid-19 has been a tough challenge for countries around the world. It has tested their decision-making policies, healthcare systems and economic durability. It has forced us into a whole new way of life where people are urged to wear masks, abide by social distancing regulations and turn to online means education and profession. Thus, the pandemic has proved to be a major catalyst for a technological revolution in underdeveloped countries.
Today, it is claimed that technology is the ultimate solution to every problem especially due to advancements in AI since machines are now capable of self-learning from the data provided to them. One can think of it as a replica of the human brain, with limited functionalities, inside a machine. In the midst of the pandemic, AI has proved to be an extremely helpful tool. Engineers have developed different applications with regard to Covid-19 — you can input your symptoms onto the app and it will process the information and tell you if you are likely infected by the virus or not. Such apps are also capable of calculating the degree of your infection and provide recommendations on what to do next. Similar applications can also automatically highlight, with great specificity, the areas in which Covid-19 cases are rapidly rising. Furthermore, AI technology can also help doctors in general by handling specific medical problems such as the quick and efficient detection of breast cancer.
To sum up, where Covid-19 had created many new challenges, it has also created new ways and opportunities. Today, engineers, doctors, and scientists are working together to formulate a vaccine that can rid us all of the deadly disease once and for all. One needs to remain optimistic because with the help of AI almost anything is now possible. The government needs to make sure that they invest a fair share in the development of AI technology in Pakistan.
Muhammad Ali
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, October 22nd, 2020.
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