Union Minister advocates integration of Artificial Intelligence in medicine

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, emphasized the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in clinical medicine, stressing the urgent need for integration between existing and emerging tools of patient care.

Addressing the inaugural session of the 2-day “International Patient Safety Conference 2024” in Bengaluru, Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted India’s recent strides in healthcare, citing the success stories such as the vaccine development efforts, which underscored the significance of collaborative approaches in achieving healthcare goals.

Dr Jitendra Singh underscored Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on prioritizing the healthcare sector, noting the landmark focus on Digital Health announced from the Red Fort on Independence Day. He called for robust Public-Private extended integration to optimize outcomes, citing examples such as the introduction of a Ph.D. course in Biosciences with multidisciplinary aspects.

Furthermore, Dr Jitendra Singh emphasized the importance of integrating diverse streams of healthcare, citing instances where India’s traditional medical practices like Ayurveda and Yoga gained global recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic. He stressed that the integration of various medical systems is vital for effective disease management.

Touching upon the significant strides in India’s space and biotech sectors, Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted the government’s initiatives to foster innovation and collaboration, including the opening up of the space sector for private players and the exponential growth witnessed in the biotech startup ecosystem.

Dr Jitendra Singh expressed gratitude to the organizers for fostering a collaborative environment between the government and stakeholders, facilitating the adoption of AI and other technological advancements in patient care. He also commended Apollo Hospitals for its pivotal role in addressing societal needs during the COVID-19 crisis.

The remarks by Dr Jitendra Singh underscore the government’s commitment to leveraging technology and fostering collaboration to enhance healthcare delivery and patient safety in India.