AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines programmed to think and learn, encompassing tasks such as problem-solving, reasoning, and understanding language. In healthcare, AI has the potential to significantly improve patient care.
On September 5, 2024, a day-long conference was held at iHub Anubhuti IIITD Foundation of the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi (IIIT Delhi). The event focused on AI in healthcare, aiming to bridge the gap between medicine and engineering. Professor Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), highlighted the potential of the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS). He emphasised how integrating AI, clinical sciences, and basic sciences could harness India’s vast data to enhance healthcare accessibility.
Over the next three years the NM-ICPS aims to recalibrate and synchronize efforts to achieve impactful advancements
Professor Abhay Karandikar, Secretary Department of Science and Technology (DST)
The conference underscored the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to address the country's data surplus. Organized by DST and five technology innovation hubs (TiHs) established under NM-ICPS, and co-supported by AIIMS Delhi, the conference sought to identify key healthcare challenges, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and explore practical implementations.
Participants were encouraged to provide recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of healthcare interventions. The event featured notable attendees, including Dr. Ranjan Bose, Director of IIIT Delhi; Dr. Ekta Kapoor, Head of FFT Division, DST; Dr. Pushpendra Singh and Dr. Vikram Goyal, Project Directors at iHub Anubhuti-IIITD Foundation; and other domain experts.
Distinguished professionals included Dr. Sandeep Aggarwal, Chairman of the Institute of Minimal Access, Bariatric, GI and Robotic Surgery, Manipal Hospitals, New Delhi; Dr. Sanjeev Sinha from AIIMS Delhi; Dr. Saket Choudhary from the Koita Centre for Digital Health, IIT Bombay; Dr. Moushumi Suryavanshi from the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Faridabad; Dr. Anurag Agarwal from the Koita Center for Digital Health, Ashoka University; and Dr. Bharat Aggarwal, Principal Director of Radiology at Max Hospitals, Delhi.
We will be able to launch an interdisciplinary R&D program which will work at the intersection of engineering, basic sciences, computer scientists, and also the practicing doctors and clinicians,
Professor Abhay Karandikar, Secretary Department of Science and Technology (DST)
The conference included interactive panel discussions on "Perspective of AI in Healthcare from the Medical Community" and "Perspective of AI in Healthcare from the Engineering Community," as well as a visit to the Medical Cobotics Center (MCC), providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of AI’s potential in healthcare.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)
