The advancements in Artificial Intelligence are hastily changing the face of the healthcare industry in India. From introducing unparalleled tools for diagnosis to sophisticated patient treatment techniques, the industry is leveraging the prowess of AI to ease human efforts and offer quality treatment. According to the World Economic Forum report, AI expenditure in India is expected to reach &11.78 billion by 2025 and add $1 trillion to India’s economy by 2035.

Meanwhile, AI in Healthcare Market is predicted to grow from $14.6 billion in 2023 to $102.7 billion by 2028. As per NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Service Companies), data and AI in healthcare have the potential to add about 25 billion dollars to India’s GDP by 2025.  

A report on National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence by NITI Aayog revealed a shortage of qualified healthcare professionals and unequal accessibility to healthcare across India. According to the report, India has only 64 doctors available per 1,00,000 people compared to the global average of 150. Though frequent AI adoption in healthcare industry is in its initial stages, the current enhancements can lead us to a promising future.

How does AI boost the healthcare sector?

AI benefits the healthcare sector through a wide range of applications, like getting a better understanding of human biology at a genetic level to manage patient data to enhance the functioning of hospitals for a better understanding of the patient’s emotional state. AI reshaping the model healthcare system using algorithms and devices that helps to envision, assimilate and enforce necessary actions. Nowadays, AI is being actively used across various healthcare domains like medical imaging, managing surgical robots, wearable sensors, empowering virtual assistants and chatbots, etc.

Niraj Garg, Head of Digital and Automation of Siemens Healthineers, says, “AI aids in saving time by automating mundane and routine tasks within the daily clinical routine. These time-saving measures allow healthcare professionals to focus more on critical decision-making and delivering quality patient care.” For example, the assistance of chatbots enables patients to solve their doubts about appointments, bill payments, etc. These virtual assistants will help the patients by answering their queries via calls and chats, scheduling appointments with doctors, and even sending results, follow-ups, appointment reminders etc.

AI-powered remote patient monitoring systems and early warning systems like Dozee enables proactive interventions and personalised care for each patient without more human intervention. Moreover, AI and machine learning models are effectively accelerating drug discovery development. We have recently witnessed the invention of a superbug-killing antibiotic which made a substantial breakthrough in the industry. Such advancements lead to more focused treatments.

The significance of healthcare professionals in the era of AI

Besides the vast opportunities brought out by AI, the capabilities, expertise and compassion of healthcare professionals remain indispensable. Nivedita Verma, Hospital Director, Surya Mother & Child Super Speciality Hospital in Pune, said, “Amidst the awe-inspiring advancements, one fundamental truth remains: the skill of healthcare professionals will continue to be indispensable in delivering excellent care for patients”. AI algorithms can process a massive amount of data and identify patterns, the expertise, intuition, and compassion of healthcare professionals which make a considerable difference. For instance, social, economic, and historical factors can be pivotal in providing recommendations for specific patients. Even though an AI system can direct a patient to a particular care centre according to the precise diagnosis, it may not account for patient economic restrictions or other individual preferences.

However, medical practitioners also raise concerns over the implication for patient privacy and potential bias in AI algorithms. As more institutions try to advocate AI’s benefits and applications, it is vital to prioritise data security.

The issue with affordability 

Even though the technologies are flourishing, there is a considerable gap regarding affordability and accessibility. It remains a serious issue with private expenditure accounting for about 70% of healthcare expenses, which will be one of the highest in the world. The financially weak people are the one who get affected the most and as per reports, around 63 million people faces poverty every year due to their healthcare expense.

Experts say AI can successfully make healthcare services affordable and accessible in rural areas. Mudit Dandwate, the CEO & Co-founder of Dozee, says, “I foresee the costs are going to be much, much lesser. I’ll give you an example. Continuous monitoring is only available in ICU beds right now, which is only 1,00,000 beds out of close to about 20 lakh beds in the country. What AI can do is it can monitor any bed at 1/10th the cost of a normal ICU cost. So, in the cost of putting one ICU bed, now you can put 10. That is how the technology creates disproportionate returns when the newest technology comes in.” 

The emergence of more such AI-integrated healthcare facilities and awareness of this to the people of remote areas will help tackle these challenges to a great extent.

• Photo by Julia Zyablova on Unsplash