Integrating augmented intelligence and artificial intelligence into primary healthcare

The prevailing vision for the future of healthcare is not one of AI replacing clinicians, but of AI and humans working together -a principle central to the concept of augmented intelligence'.-IBM Watson Health The 21st century is witnessing a rapid evolution in the field of technology.Just as Edward Jenner's landmark discovery of the smallpox vaccine in the late 18th century launched a medical revolution in the field of science, artificial intelligence (AI) is now impacting every sector, bringing immense changes in technology, education and medicine.In primary healthcare, AI scribes are reshaping clinical consultations by automating documentation, improving accuracy, enhancing efficiency and reducing administrative burden.AI is now blurring the frontiers between human and machine interactions, raising significant ethical issues in patients' data protection, consent, bias, discrimination and social impact, particularly in job retrenchment.This fundamental shift compels healthcare providers, educators and policymakers to rethink the design, delivery and governance of primary healthcare.