The National Drug Agency (NDA) has signed an agreement with China’s Yunnan University to use artificial intelligence (AI) and data science to further improve mental health services and treatment.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the NDA by its Chairperson, Ahmed Siddeeq. The memorandum will pave the way for collaboration across different fields to use AI and data science to improve existing treatment programmes for people affected by substance abuse, as well as mental health services.
Under the agreement, the parties will work on developing AI-based solutions, conducting research, providing technical assistance, delivering training and strengthening the capabilities of staff, according to the NDA. Most of the project’s work will be carried out at the National Drug Agency.
Speaking to PSM News, Deputy Director General Abdullah Faseeh said the use of AI would make it easier for the NDA to provide its services. He said psychological assessments for people currently receiving treatment take a considerable amount of time. However, once AI-powered services are introduced, treatment could begin without having to wait for the assessment results, he explained.
“There are challenges in providing mental health treatment services around the clock. Once we start using AI, it will become easier to provide services at any time and from anywhere,” Deputy Director General Abdullah Faseeh said.
The work under the agreement will be carried out jointly by Yunnan University’s School of Software and Artificial Intelligence and the NDA.
The AI application developed by the school is considered a highly useful tool for providing mental health-related treatment. However, as the application has been tailored to the Chinese environment, Faseeh said the first step would be to adapt it to the Maldivian context.
He added that the necessary legal requirements for the project would be addressed in coordination with the Attorney General’s Office.
“The work carried out today was for them to demonstrate their work to us, and we discussed how the work would proceed,” Deputy Director General Faseeh said.
Faseeh also said that, as part of efforts to strengthen the NDA’s work through AI, staff involved in areas related to the agency’s functions would receive relevant training.
Minister of State for Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan, senior officials from the NDA and members of the Chinese delegation also attended the signing ceremony.