Author:
M Arifur Rahman, Hawai‘i Pacific University

Introduction:
This research paper examines the potential benefits of introducing an AI-enhanced pregnancy monitoring system in Bangladesh to enhance maternal health outcomes. Currently, the monitoring of pregnant women in Bangladesh lacks systematic approaches, and many women face limited access to such services due to various factors. Implementing personalized and continuous AI-enhanced monitoring for pregnant women has the potential to improve their health outcomes, but it necessitates access to significant amounts of data. While the Electronic Health Record/Electronic Medical Record (EHR/EMR) system is considered the ideal method for recording healthcare data, Bangladesh has yet to establish a universal EHR system. Although the country has plans to implement an EHR system by 2025, the process is time-consuming. This study assesses the existing maternity healthcare infrastructure in Bangladesh to identify opportunities for integrating AI and proposes recommendations for the government to introduce AI-enhanced pregnancy monitoring systems to address the identified challenges. The research methodology involves identifying technical challenges, gaps in the current technical infrastructure, and drawing lessons from previous project implementations for incorporating AI into pregnancy monitoring. However, as EHR serves as the foundational element for AI-enhanced healthcare, and establishing a universal EHR represents a significant IT undertaking, this study also examines major IT projects carried out by the Bangladesh government, identifies strengths and weaknesses, and provides recommendations for the next steps in EHR development, ultimately leading to AI-enhanced maternity health monitoring systems.

Read this article for more information about the AI for Social Good project and the research in Bangladesh.