AIIMS Seeks to Collaborate with IITs & IIMs to Offer AI, Drone-Based Healthcare Services

The institution aims to combine forces to create a shared research institute focused on AI and clinical trials. Additionally, AIIMS aims to investigate novel uses of drones and robotics, potentially transforming the landscape of medical supply distribution and surgical interventions. 

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, has written to two Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, to drive innovation in patient care and hospital management.

In a series of letters, AIIMS has extended invitations to collaborate with IIT Gandhinagar, IIT Guwahati, and IIM Ahmedabad, aiming to establish a dynamic interface that leverages AI, robotics, drones, hospital management systems, and software solutions. The collaboration envisions the synergistic amalgamation of AIIMS' medical expertise with the technological prowess of these top institutes.

AIIMS' director has taken the initiative to convene discussions with the heads of the collaborating institutions, fostering an environment for creative exploration and visionary proposals. The institution intends to merge efforts in establishing a joint research institute dedicated to AI and clinical trials. Furthermore, AIIMS seeks to explore innovative applications of drones and robotics that could revolutionise medical supply delivery and surgical procedures.

AIIMS' strategic approach is supported by the formation of dedicated committees responsible for implementing AI, drones, and robotics within the healthcare ecosystem. Collaborating with IITs is anticipated to enhance the precision and effectiveness of deploying these nascent technologies, ultimately elevating patient care quality and healthcare efficiency.

While robotic-assisted surgeries are already in practice, AIIMS envisions broader applications for robotics across various medical disciplines. A robotics and AI committee member highlighted, "The use of robotics is already being done in surgeries, but we have to explore more disciplines where robotics could assist."

AIIMS' forward-thinking approach extends to the domain of drone technology as well. The institute is working towards establishing a hub at the NIC Jhajjar, a satellite healthcare unit of AIIMS, to facilitate medical supply delivery. Given that AIIMS' main campus in Delhi is in a no-fly zone, the satellite unit emerges as an ideal avenue for exploring the potential of drone-enabled medical supply distribution.

AIIMS' collaborative initiatives extend to IIM Ahmedabad, focusing on healthcare management and hospital administration. The institute envisions a symbiotic partnership to streamline healthcare operations and improve efficiency.

Beyond these collaborative endeavors, AIIMS continues to spearhead advancements in healthcare technology, propelling India's healthcare landscape toward a future marked by innovation, efficiency, and enhanced patient care.