The UK AI firm promoted as the future of the NHS by former health secretary Matt Hancock, Babylon Health has entered UK administration.
The company’s demise comes amid allegations of overhyped technology, questionable ties to the Conservative Party, and terminated contracts with UK hospitals.
Babylon was founded in 2013 by former UK Iranian banker Ali Parsa who claimed its AI could revolutionise healthcare through virtual appointments and diagnostic chatbots such as its GP at Hand.
Experts warned the technology was unproven and overhyped, but Hancock’s promoted GP at Hand throughout 2018.
Later, it was revealed that Babylon shareholders had donated £200,000 to the Conservative Party and Hancock’s own leadership campaign in 2017 and 2018.
