LANGUAGE AS A CATALYST FOR HEALTHCARE INNOVATION

Language plays a pivotal role in shaping the delivery, accessibility, and innovation of healthcare. As both a medium of communication and a tool for conceptualizing medical knowledge, language influences clinical decision-making, patient engagement, health literacy, and cross-cultural care. This research explores how linguistic structures, narrative medicine, multilingual technologies, and natural language processing (NLP) contribute to healthcare innovation. It investigates the integration of AI-powered language models, real-time translation tools, and inclusive health communication strategies in improving diagnostic accuracy, enhancing patient-provider interactions, and addressing disparities in global health systems. By positioning language as a dynamic enabler rather than a passive conduit, this study underscores its centrality in driving transformative change in modern healthcare.