Drugs firm chief says technology can help the NHS

The chairman of Covid vaccine giant AstraZeneca has said that investment in technology can help the NHS cut costs.

 

Leif Johansson said more spending on areas such as screening and artificial intelligence could prevent illness and stop people needing to go to hospital.

 

He said that around 97 per cent of healthcare costs come from “when people present at the hospital”, adding that only the remaining 3 per cent is made up of spending on vaccination, screening or early detection.

 

Mr Johnansson added “If we can get into an investment mode in health for screening or prevention or early diagnostics on health and see that as an investment to reduce the cost of sickness then I think we have a much better model over time that would serve us well.

 

“All countries have different systems and the NHS is one which we have learned to live with and I think the Brits, in general, are quite appreciative about it.”

 

He said he was not talking about “breaking any healthcare systems down”, but rather that “we should embrace technology and science”.

 

Mr Johansson said that artificial intelligence, or AI, could be used to diagnose lung cancer through X-rays by “just running them through software”.  Or technology could be used to screen cardiovascular diseases or diabetes.

 

“All of that can be done within the institution of the NHS and would still have a very beneficial impact.”

 

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

 

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Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

 

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