Dr. Shamim Nabuuma has been honoured at the Heroes in Health Awards 2024 as the winner in the Use of ICT and Innovation to Improve Patient Care category. This recognition is definitive of her groundbreaking work in leveraging technology to enhance patient care, particularly through her innovative Chil Femtech Center.
Despite facing a flight delay that prevented her from attending the awards ceremony, Dr. Shamim took to her X account to share her excitement:
“I woke up determined to attend the @hiha_awards, but unfortunately, a flight delay meant I couldn’t make it in time. Despite that setback, I’m thrilled to share that I was announced as the winner of the @hiha_awards (Use of ICT and Innovation to Improve Patient Care category).”
Her achievements over the past year have been nothing short of remarkable.
Dr. Shamim has spearheaded the implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare, most notably through the development of a ChatGPT-like AI chatbot that interprets medical records. This innovative tool not only enhances diagnosis accuracy and speed but also addresses traditional healthcare limitations by providing AI-guided consultations and referrals, ensuring patients receive specialized care promptly.
The chatbot, which is accessible across various platforms, incorporates voice prompts to assist individuals with visual and writing disabilities, setting Chil AI Lab apart in Africa.
Dr. Shamim’s vision is clear.
“We’re committed to making healthcare more accessible and understandable through innovative technology,” she stated. “KETI is a significant step towards improving healthcare outcomes, especially for underserved communities.”
One of the standout features of this technology is its ability to allow patients to upload scanned photos for immediate interpretation, drastically reducing wait times for diagnosis. This advancement has particularly improved cancer diagnosis and treatment outcomes, making a profound impact on patient care.
In addition to her award-winning innovations, Dr. Shamim has been recognized as a WiNFUND recipient and has shared her inspiring journey at various platforms including One Young World and the Uganda Developer Summit. Her work exemplifies how information and communication technology (ICT) can transform healthcare delivery.
The Use of ICT and Innovation to Improve Patient Care Award celebrates those who effectively integrate technological advancements into healthcare systems, improving patient outcomes and management of health services. Previous winners include notable organizations such as HISP Uganda and Smart Applications.
