Babylon aims to “put an accessible and affordable health service in the hands of every person on earth”. How does it work?
After downloading the Babylon app, The National used three scenarios to put it to the test. The assumed medical conditions were a torn cruciate ligament, brain tumour and swine flu. Information regarding symptoms for the different diseases were acquired via the Mayo Clinic website.
At the beginning of each text conversation with the Babylon AI, we received what appeared to be some sort of disclaimer, reminding us that the AI is not a real medical practitioner, merely offering information rather than diagnosing.
The man behind the app: AI can be a coach for health says Babylon founder
As Babylon AI seamlessly conversed with the user, we were asked not only about the various symptoms we were experiencing but the nature of pains and aches.
The interview was carried out largely via tick-box questions, users having to type in what symptom they were experiencing manually and the AI reverting to pre-set questions from there.
Regarding the torn ACL and Brain Tumour, the AI performed well, understanding our manual entries as it questioned us in detail about conditions. These included the distribution of swelling, where on the specific part of the body (be it the head or the knee) we experienced the most pain, and to what extent we could support ourselves and put weight on the body part without assistance.
The AI moved into a second round of questioning in an attempt to filter down what our condition may be. This involved asking more personal questions about crucial areas such as our neck and back, our previous medical history, and whether we smoked.
In the case of swine flu, it determined a flu but not the specific variant.
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There were times, however, when Babylon revealed the non-human, “artificial” aspect of its intelligence. During the first round of questioning for the torn ACL, the AI could not understand one of the symptoms: a popping sensation in the knee.
Alongside saying “don’t be alarmed” before each description, it appeared that Babylon was focused on trying to keep us calm while giving information.
The app itself was easy to use.
The bio
Favourite book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite travel destination: Maldives and south of France
Favourite pastime: Family and friends, meditation, discovering new cuisines
Favourite Movie: Joker (2019). I didn’t like it while I was watching it but then afterwards I loved it. I loved the psychology behind it.
Favourite Author: My father for sure
Favourite Artist: Damien Hurst
SPECS
Engine: 2-litre 4-cylinder petrol (V Class); electric motor with 60kW or 90kW powerpack (EQV)
Power: 233hp (V Class, best option); 204hp (EQV, best option)
Torque: 350Nm (V Class, best option); TBA (EQV)
On sale: Mid-2024
Price: TBA
Company Profile
Company name: Namara
Started: June 2022
Founder: Mohammed Alnamara
Based: Dubai
Sector: Microfinance
Current number of staff: 16
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Family offices
'Spies in Disguise'
Director: Nick Bruno and Troy Quane
Stars: Will Smith, Tom Holland, Karen Gillan and Roshida Jones
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
ARGYLLE
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Starring: Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, John Cena
Rating: 3/5
Emergency phone numbers in the UAE
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
The BIO
Favourite piece of music: Verdi’s Requiem. It’s awe-inspiring.
Biggest inspiration: My father, as I grew up in a house where music was constantly played on a wind-up gramophone. I had amazing music teachers in primary and secondary school who inspired me to take my music further. They encouraged me to take up music as a profession and I follow in their footsteps, encouraging others to do the same.
Favourite book: Ian McEwan’s Atonement – the ending alone knocked me for six.
Favourite holiday destination: Italy - music and opera is so much part of the life there. I love it.
TEACHERS' PAY - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:
- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools
- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
