» We want every cardiac patient to avoid emergency surgery which costs more, provides more stress to the family and poses higher risks to the patient. Proper monitoring and threat support can help us to do that. » (Elle Quan)
Elle Quan, recently appointed as country director for the Philippines by Citta.ai, a company specializing in medical artificial intelligence, shares with H&TI her ambitions and her vision of the Philippine health tech market, still in its infancy but very promising according to the expert if the country manages to sustainably integrate new technologies into its health system.
#1 goal: Addressing the shortage of cardiologists in the Philippines
In February, Citta.ai has appointed you as country director for the Philippines. What exactly is your role in the company?
I will be looking to opening the market for a new technology like Citta.Ai. There is currently only one other player in this area which is an Apple-invested company. We would like to focus on developing markets like Philippines as the value of such a technology will directly impact healthcare delivery at a cost that is affordable for the ordinary Filipino family.
“With only 14 cardiologists per million in the Philippines, Citta’s AI research and its applications will help ease the severe shortage of cardiologists in the country. Having your own AI-based cardiologist on hand available all the time will impact every Filipino family with a cardiac patient to look after,” you said in a statement. Does Citta want to focus only on cardiac patients in the country or does the company will also target other diseases?
We have monitors and AI technology for diabetes patients as well. For our initial approach, we feel that addressing the need for cardiology tech in Philippines is more urgent. There are several players that have entered the diabetes market.
What is the company’s goal in the Philippines in the long run?
We aim to be the leader in providing reliable, accessible and truly innovative AI-driven cardiology tech in the Philippines. We want every cardiac patient to avoid emergency surgery which costs more, provides more stress to the family and poses higher risks to the patient. Proper monitoring and threat support can help us to do that.
« If I’d have my way, I’d like [Citta’s device] to be free »
Healthcare providers can use Citta’s SaaS based platforms to roll-out their self-branded cardiac, diabetic or remote patient monitoring solution within minutes, while home-care providers enable care-givers to assist patients in health screenings. Has the Citta solution already been launched in the Philippines?
Not yet. We are just starting negociations with hospital executives.
What are the first feedback of healthcare professionals so far?
Everyone we speak to is excited and wants to learn more. We will have in a few weeks our first round of meetings with our CEO, who will visit Manila by April 2018.
Do you need to adapt Citta’s solution to Philippine infrastructure?
We are aware that internet connectivity might not be as strong as countries like Singapore. But we are confident that this will be improved very soon.
What aspects of the device would you like to change or improve as country director for the Philippines?
It would be the cost! We are on a mission to save lives, increase cost savings and improve quality of life. We would like to have every patient have one device. If I’d have my way, I’d like this to be free… If we find the right partner, we just might be able to do that.
Privacy: « [Data analysis is] the new paradigm for healthcare »
Do you feel that Filipinos are receptive to this kind of new technology?
Local hospitals and clinicians are very excited and receptive to new technologies. They are ready, willing and it’s just a matter of the right technology which would truly deliver better healthcare outcomes at a low investment point. We can actually roll out a program with virtually zero investment to a hospital. We are excited to get this started.
You will collaborate with hospitals and health insurance companies. How can you reassure patients who are reluctant to share their health data with insurance companies for instance?
Data-driven and information-based systems are becoming the new paradigm for wellness and healthcare. People use their Fitbit and provide their heart rate, sleeping patterns, etc. Citta reads basically the same information. Our strength is our AI that interprets the data and provides valuable insights. The treatment will still be in the hands of practicing cardiologists.
From an ethical point of view, isn’t it complicated to share private patient data with insurers ?
I believe information such as the condition of having an illness is a requirement by insurance companies.
What we provide actually benefits both patients and payers. For example, certain policies cover patients that already have diabetes, provided they can show that they manage it. Monitoring devices like ours prompt patients to move a little, mind their diet or go see a specialist if something is off. It gives patients added protection from insurance, while allowing insurers to also manage their costs by getting patients engaged in controlling their conditions.
« We want to be a first mover in the healthcare industry of the Philippines »
You worked closely with senior health executives in hospitals, pharma and medtech organizations, research institutions and public sector throughout Asia. In your opinion, what are the main challenges facing the Philippines in the healthcare industry?
I think it’s the low level of adaption of technology. The Philippines can leapfrog and utilize the available innovations to provide quality, cost-effective and efficient healthcare. Filipino caregivers are among the best in the world, doctors are well-trained and world-class, new facilities are built and old facilities are being retrofitted. Technology seem to be the missing piece in the upgrade.
Citta aims to democratize diagnosis using artificial intelligence. According to you, how can AI help improve the healthcare system in the Philippines ?
The use of AI in healthcare extends to a wide spectrum. It supports diagnosis, improves patient engagement, enhances the organization of treatment plans. With a huge lack of cardiologists in the Philippines, Citta can be the critical point where patients are informed of a need to see a professional. Imagine being warned you are at risk of having a heart attack in three days!
Do you think the the Philippines can have an important place in the digital health market in the coming years?
Digital health have transformed healthcare delivery in more advance economies, such as Singapore, Japan or South Korea.
It’s just a matter of time that emerging economies like the Philippines will follow suit. The impact of technology will grow bigger, making diagnosis, treatment and recovery faster, cheaper and better.
We want to be a first mover in the exciting local healthcare industry. One of our goals is to educate hospitals, clinic and pharmacy chains as well are HMOs and insurance on how technology, specifically artificial intelligence can address the lack of specialists, increase patient engagement and customer loyalty while raising their own brand as innovators and technology first movers.
