How technology and AI are reshaping healthcare
Welcome to Growth in Focus, where business and industry leaders provide valuable insights into their thinking.
In an exclusive interview led by futurist and economist Bronwyn Williams, Dr Seedat, a clinical oncologist and health IT innovator, outlined how his organisation is leveraging digital systems to reduce costs, improve patient outcomes, and prepare for an AI-driven future.
As South Africa faces infrastructure challenges and healthcare disparities, Dr Ziad Seedat, Managing Director of Hopelands Cancer Centre (the largest private oncology provider in KwaZulu-Natal), proves that technology can bridge gaps —if implemented strategically.
According to Dr Seedat, South African healthcare and healthcare providers face significant challenges, namely:
Fragmented and inefficient health information systems Resistance to technology adoption
Data privacy concerns
High costs and inefficiencies in treatment delivery
Challenge in public-private sector collaboration
Infrastructure and operational challenges
Currently focused on digitising records and algorithmic treatment plans, Dr Seedat's team is preparing for the next leap: AI-driven healthcare.
"We are focused now on targeting tumours very precisely. What we're moving to now is recognising the tumour is in motion. And can we predict where that tumour actually will be at the time of treatment? Can we now develop new solutions, new forms of treatment, new drug development? I think all of that will come from the implementation of artificial intelligence in the field."
Dr Seedat cautions against adopting technology without a clear purpose. The focus must remain on patient outcomes, not just innovation.
"I think one of the problems with technology implementation is we shouldn't be implementing technology simply for the sake of implementing technology."
Learn how we're making healthcare simpler, safer and smarter for every South African.