India’s healthcare system is vast and complex, serving a population of 1.4 billion people. While we’ve seen progress, challenges still exist, such as late diagnoses, limited access to quality care, and a growing number of chronic diseases. For instance, non-communicable diseases account for over 60% of deaths in the country. Despite these challenges, the healthcare industry is undergoing a revolutionary transformation owing to Artificial Intelligence (AI).
AI is not just a futuristic concept, it is already helping doctors, hospitals, and healthcare systems make more informed decisions, enhance patient care, and improve health outcomes. The integration of AI in healthcare is increasing possibilities for more accurate diagnoses, personalised treatments, and faster recovery. AI is expected to gain significant momentum in 2025, transforming healthcare on a larger scale. AI-powered chatbots on telemedicine platforms are also poised to improve patient support by quickly addressing questions and guiding users more effectively.
The Role of AI in Diagnostics
AI’s most impactful application in healthcare is in diagnostics. Traditional methods are effective but sometimes can be slow or prone to human error. AI is changing this by analysing medical images and patient data quickly and accurately.
For example, in radiology, advanced algorithms are now able to interpret X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs with growing precision. These tools can detect conditions such as tumours, fractures, or infections faster and more reliably. Early detection, especially for diseases like cancer, plays a crucial role in improving survival rates and the effectiveness of treatments.
Similarly, in pathology, these technologies are helping doctors examine tissue samples and blood tests. By processing large sets of data, AI can identify minute elements that might otherwise go unnoticed, allowing for earlier and more accurate diagnoses.
Advancing Personalised Medicine
Healthcare has traditionally followed a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. However, this is changing, thanks to the role of AI in enabling personalised medicine. By analysing multiple factors such as genetic data, medical history, and current health information, AI can suggest the most effective treatments for each patient.
This approach is particularly helpful in areas like cancer care, where AI helps determine the therapies that will be most effective for that patient based on their unique genetic profile. This ensures more targeted and efficient treatment, minimising side effects while increasing the chances of success.
The Role of AI in Surgery
AI is not only impacting diagnostics but also revolutionising surgery. Robotic-assisted surgeries, powered by AI, enable surgeons to perform complex procedures with greater precision. These technologies provide better visualisation, real-time data, and improved navigation, reducing errors and ensuring safer results. AI also enhances treatment planning by helping healthcare professionals better understand the patient’s medical history and predict potential complications.
Future Possibilities for AI in Healthcare
AI is set to transform healthcare by improving early detection, speeding up drug discovery, advancing gene therapy, increasing access through telemedicine, and enhancing surgical precision with robotics, all of which will elevate patient care and outcomes.
While AI is a powerful tool, it cannot replace the skilled hands and compassionate judgment of healthcare professionals. It supports doctors by providing valuable insights to aid decision-making, but it cannot match the empathy, understanding, and nuanced judgment that only a human expert can offer.
AI is reshaping healthcare by improving diagnostics, treatment, and patient care. While ethical concerns about privacy and fairness persist, AI is set to revolutionise the industry. As it advances, AI offers a future of smarter, more accessible, and more efficient healthcare, working alongside human expertise to enhance outcomes for everyone. This collaboration of human expertise and AI promises a future of proactive and predictive healthcare.
authored by Dr. Rakesh Gupta, Chairman, Sarvodaya Healthcare, Faridabad.
