AI Revolutionizing Clinical Medicine at a Fast Pace: MoS Jitendra Singh

The Minister stressed the importance of integration between public and private sectors and among various healthcare systems.

Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, highlighted the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in clinical medicine and stressed the importance of seamless integration between existing and emerging patient care tools.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the International Patient Safety Conference 2024 in Bengaluru, Dr Singh underscored the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors and the integration of various medical practices to achieve holistic health goals.

Dr Singh acknowledged the transformative impact of AI on clinical medicine, emphasizing its role in shaping the future of healthcare.

He noted that India's recent success stories, particularly in the field of vaccines, highlighted the limitations of working in isolation and the necessity for integration at multiple levels.

The Minister stressed the importance of integration not only between public and private sectors but also among various healthcare systems, including allopathy and Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH).

Dr Singh emphasized the need for synergy to achieve the envisaged health goals through collaborative approaches.

Healthcare Gaining Priority under PM Modi’s Leadership

Dr Singh highlighted the unprecedented focus on the healthcare sector under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He recalled PM Modi's mention of Digital Health from the Red Fort on Independence Day, emphasizing the government's commitment to prioritizing healthcare initiatives.

Calling for robust public-private extended integration, Dr Singh cited the example of a recently introduced Ph.D. course in Biosciences that allows multiple streams, including B.Tech or M.Tech, to join. This approach reflects the government's commitment to fostering collaboration and interdisciplinary research in healthcare.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Singh highlighted that even Western countries sought India's expertise in immunity-building techniques from traditional systems such as Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani, Yoga, and Naturopathy.

He stressed that post-COVID, optimal integration of different medical streams would be crucial for managing various diseases successfully.

Dr Singh credited PM Modi for bringing indigenous systems of medical management to the center stage. Initiatives such as the International Yoga Day and the International Year of Millets underscore India's commitment to promoting traditional practices and sustainable agriculture.

Success of PPP Model in Space and Bio-economy

Referring to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, Dr Singh highlighted the success of India's space sector, witnessing over INR 1,000 Cr in investments in space startups in the last nine months.

The opening up of the space sector for private players garnered overwhelming responses from industry and investors.

Similarly, Dr Jitendra Singh said that our Bio-economy witnessed a double-digit growth rate year-on-year in the last 9-10 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. "In 2014, India's bioeconomy stood at just about $10 Billion. This fiscal we are likely to touch $150 billion and we look forward to having $300 Billion by 2030," he said.

The growth is reflected in the surge of biotech and agritech startups, showcasing India's prowess in these sectors.

Dr Singh further discussed the significant role of the "Anusandhan National Research Foundation" in promoting scientific research through the PPP model.

"NRF budget envisions a spending of Rs. 50,000 crore over five years, out of which over 70% will come from non-government sources, including domestic as well as outside sources," he said.

The minister's insights into the government's initiatives, PPP model success, and the growth of the bio-economy underscored India's commitment to advancing healthcare and research through collaborative efforts.