The Dominican Republic is integrating artificial intelligence across its health system to elevate health tourism from low-cost surgeries to higher-value, longer stays and preventive care, supported by a national AI strategy spanning education, healthcare, and tourism.

An AI laboratory focused on health and ethics underpins the strategy, positioning the country to leverage its strengths in cosmetic surgery and dentistry as a regional health tourism hub.

Avatar-based communication and automated transcription are being used to reduce stigma, improve patient comfort, and enhance data capture during consultations.

Regulatory updates focus on consent, data protection, and accountability for international patients as AI is integrated into diagnostics and administration.

Home healthcare capabilities, including chronic patient monitoring and medical inventory management, could extend hospital-level care into homes, a model described as a 'hospital at home'.

AI-enhanced diagnostics analyze X-rays and CT scans and generate predictive models to help patients visualize surgical outcomes.

AI-native platforms like Heva streamline cross-border care, case intake, documentation, and follow-up coordination, ensuring digital continuity of care for international patients.

Real-world AI applications include AI-powered research systems, telehealth with artificial vision for heart-rate estimation, and an AI avatar-enabled smart mirror to assist consultations for stigmatized conditions.

Private hospitals are upgrading imaging, electronic records, and telemedicine, while AI analytics improve bed occupancy, wait times, and outcomes tracking for surgery and oncology patients.

Community AI pilots, such as rural clinic chatbots and triage tools, are building domestic experience that could be adapted for international visitors.

The event was organized by Funglode and the Metropolitan Hospital of Santiago (HOMS).

Ethics and culturally aware design prioritize appropriate interfaces and care for diverse populations, including non-Spanish speakers.