In the pandemic-stricken world today, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as an indispensable ally for the healthcare sector. The rapid integration of AI applications is revolutionizing how healthcare is delivered, making it more efficient and personalized.

One of the most significant impacts of AI in recent times has been its role in handling the COVID-19 crisis. AI has assisted in disease tracking, predicting viral protein structures, and improving patient triage processes. With big data and machine learning, healthcare providers are effectively analyzing patient data, thus leading to early diagnosis and proactive treatment plans.

Another noteworthy AI application in healthcare is virtual health assistance. Utilizing natural language processing, AI-powered chatbots provide immediate responses to patient inquiries, facilitate appointment scheduling, and even offer routine health checks. This technological advancement not only aids hospitals with crowded waiting rooms but also ensures that patient needs are met promptly.

Additionally, AI's capability in drug discovery is witnessing unprecedented growth. Machine learning algorithms are speeding up the drug development process, effectively reducing the time taken to bring new drugs to the market. A perfect instance is how AI applications were instrumental in identifying key chemical components in potential COVID-19 treatments in record time.

Real case scenarios, such as IBM Watson and its success in oncology, show the potential of AI applications in personalizing cancer treatment plans based on genetic markers. The integration of AI has provided oncologists with comprehensive insights, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and success stories in combating cancer.

AI's predictive analytics feature has revolutionized risk management in healthcare. Predictive models can forecast patient deterioration, allowing healthcare professionals to intervene in time, thereby reducing mortality rates and hospital stays. It is worth highlighting how top medical institutions, like the Mayo Clinic, are capitalizing on AI to predict cardiac arrest in patients with a success rate that was unprecedented a few years back.

In conclusion, the landscape of healthcare is rapidly transforming, with AI applications taking center stage. As we steer through the pandemic, the continuous evolution of AI presents innovative solutions, leading to a brighter, more efficient healthcare system.