Can an AI chatbot save lives by answering texts about pregnancy?

In Kenya, an AI-powered chatbot called PROMPTS is helping reduce maternal mortality by providing pregnant women with crucial health information via text messages. Initially designed to send appointment reminders, the service evolved as women began asking health-related questions. Now, PROMPTS uses artificial intelligence to prioritize inquiries and flag urgent cases, directing them to nurses for immediate attention. This service is vital in rural areas where internet access is limited, offering a free and accessible way for women to seek medical advice. With about 6,000 maternal deaths annually in Kenya, PROMPTS aims to prevent delays in seeking care, which contribute to a significant portion of these fatalities. By providing timely information, the system empowers women to recognize serious conditions like pre-eclampsia, potentially saving lives. QUESTION: How might the implementation of AI-driven health services like PROMPTS change the future of healthcare in developing countries?