25-05-2025
World's First AI Clinic Begins Operations in Saudi Arabia
In an unprecedented global move, Chinese startup Sinohey AI has announced the opening of the world's first fully AI-powered medical clinic in the Al-Ahsa region of eastern Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with Al-Mousa Health Group.
This pilot project follows promising results from the company's AI model, which recorded an error rate of less than 0.3% in previous tests—comparable to human error in medical diagnoses, according to a report by Bloomberg.
The initiative is still in its early stages, with the AI model currently available to a limited number of patients for free. A human doctor remains present to oversee the diagnostic and treatment processes.
After each consultation, the medical reports and decisions generated by the AI are submitted to Saudi health authorities for review and accuracy checks, in preparation for official licensing within the next 18 months, according to company CEO Zhang Shaodian.
The clinic operates through direct interaction between the patient and the intelligent model, named Dr. Hua, via tablets available on-site. Patients enter their symptoms, after which the model may request lab tests or imaging, which are carried out by qualified medical staff. The AI then analyzes the results and suggests a treatment plan, which is reviewed by an independent human doctor before being given to the patient.
Currently, Dr. Hua can diagnose around 30 types of respiratory diseases. The company aims to expand this to 50 conditions, including those affecting the respiratory, dermatological, and digestive systems. Coordination with Saudi authorities is ongoing to expand the trial and open additional AI-based clinics in the coming months.
Despite the company's long-term goal of eliminating the need for human doctors in non-emergency cases, the current model is still under strict human supervision. A physician must be on-site and ready to intervene when needed, ensuring a balance between technological innovation and medical safety.
