Digital technologies have been playing a significant role in helping China’s nationwide efforts to fight the COVID-19 outbreak.

The medical team from the First Affiliated Hospital of the College of Medicine under Zhejiang University takes part in telemedicine sessions at the East Hospital Branch of the Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University in central China’s Hubei province on Feb. 21. (Photo/Li Ge)

The Damo Academy, the scientific research arm of e-commerce giant Alibaba, has helped the provincial center for disease control and prevention of Zhejiang in east China develop an automated genome-wide detection and analysis platform. Through AI-powered diagnosis technology, the platform can shorten the gene analysis time for a suspected case from several hours to just half an hour. At the same time, Alibaba has also improved the platform’s AI algorithm, which will contribute to research and development of vaccines and drugs.

iFlytek, China's leading AI and speech technology company, has deployed AI-powered intelligent medical assistants to communities to help physicians screen high-risk individuals and analyze patients' medical records. Furthermore, community doctors can use the company's intelligent external call system to conduct patient follow-ups, significantly reducing their workload.

Chinese tech giant Baidu has provided a body temperature detection solution based on its AI facial recognition and infrared-imaging technologies. The company has rolled out AI and infrared-scanning devices across the country.

Telemedicine systems have been put into operation to assist with epidemic prevention efforts. The Xiangyang municipal health commission in central China’s Hubei province immediately upgraded the city’s telemedicine service platform when the epidemic erupted, covering all hospitals that were designated to treat COVID-19 patients.

The platform is also connected to major hospitals that sent medical staff to assist the city as part of virus control efforts, including the First Hospital of China Medical University in Shenyang, northeast China’s Liaoning province.

Telemedicine reduces pressure on frontline medical workers and lowers the possibility of cross infection, said Du Chengyun, head of the Xiangyang municipal health commission.

Chinese internet giants, including Alibaba, Tencent, JD.com and WeDoctor, have also launched online medical consultation platforms in an effort to relieve the pressure on hospitals.

In addition, Tencent and China’s leading online payment platform Alipay have launched QR health code systems to help with epidemic control and work resumption.