China’s AI doctor takes first patients in Saudi Arabia

A Chinese startup has launched a real clinic where AI performs the diagnosing instead of a human doctor. Users simply tell a tablet about their pain, and a virtual doctor named “Dr. Hua” asks follow-up questions, reads X-rays, and writes a treatment plan all without a heartbeat. Real doctors are still available for now, just in case Dr. Hua experiences a digital malfunction.

This is a test run, but if successful, Saudi Arabia could approve its full use within 18 months. Human doctors are already giving this technology a wary glance, similar to how a teen might skip gym class.