A team of Ghanaian scientists has taken a global lead in providing telehealth services, leveraging advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and digital solutions to expand access to healthcare both in Ghana and internationally.
Led by U.S.–based Ghanaian computer scientist Felix Davis, the multidisciplinary group includes software engineers, AI researchers, medical doctors, and digital health specialists. Operating under Mary Health and Mary Technologies Inc., the team has developed a suite of innovative platforms designed to deliver real‑time medical support, clinical triage, and remote care, especially for underserved and rural populations.
Key Innovations
1. Ask Mary
An AI‑powered virtual health assistant that provides instant medical information, symptom assessment, and guidance, helping users make informed decisions about when and where to seek care. This reduces unnecessary hospital visits and empowers patients to manage their health more proactively.
2. Doc Mary
A telehealth platform that connects patients with healthcare providers for virtual consultations, prescription services, and ongoing care management. This tool extends clinical support to patients who may otherwise lack reliable access to providers.
3. Patient Access Terminal (P.A.T.)
A low‑cost modular “micro‑clinic” equipped with portable medical devices and AI software. P.A.T. enables remote diagnosis, patient check‑ins, appointment scheduling, and health information access—dramatically improving care delivery in facilities and community hubs.
The inspiration for these technologies came from a personal healthcare tragedy: Davis lost the woman who raised him, Mary Dagadu, to late‑stage breast cancer—a death he later said could have been prevented with better early monitoring and access to care. That experience motivated him to assemble his team and pursue solutions that overcome the barriers many Ghanaians face, including distance, cost, and limited healthcare infrastructure.
Impact and Vision
With nearly 44% of Ghanaians living in rural areas facing significant healthcare access challenges, these AI‑enabled telehealth tools are positioned to bridge gaps in service delivery, reduce travel burdens, and improve clinical outcomes.
The team’s work reflects a growing trend of technology‑driven health innovations in Ghana, complementing government and private sector efforts to modernize healthcare delivery. Beyond the country’s borders, the Ghanaian‑led telehealth solutions are gaining international attention, underscoring how local expertise paired with cutting‑edge technology can solve global health challenges.
SOURCE: Ghanaweb
