Union Minister Jitendra Singh Advocates AI-Driven Indian Healthcare Solutions

Dr Singh spoke about AI’s transformative impact on healthcare delivery, particularly in diagnostics, patient monitoring, and accessibility.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, a renowned professor of medicine and diabetes, has emphasized the need for “Indian regimens for Indian patients” with the integration of responsible artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare.

Speaking at the International Health Dialogue organized by Apollo Corporate Group at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, he stressed the importance of using indigenous medical research and AI interventions tailored to India’s unique healthcare challenges.

“Indian solutions for Indian problems, Indian patient data for Indian medical research, and Indian regimens for Indian conditions—coupled with responsible AI intervention—are the way forward,” Dr Singh said, highlighting India's growing role as a global healthcare leader.

He underscored the country’s progress in preventive healthcare, medical research, and technology-driven solutions that are improving healthcare access.

AI’s Role in Revolutionizing Healthcare

Dr Singh spoke about AI’s transformative impact on healthcare delivery, particularly in diagnostics, patient monitoring, and accessibility.

“One has to be intelligent enough to use Artificial Intelligence; otherwise, we risk becoming artificial ourselves,” he remarked, urging for a balanced approach to AI adoption.

He cited a successful AI-driven mobile clinic initiative in his constituency, where AI-assisted consultations are combined with real-time doctor interventions.

“We have developed a hybrid model where AI is not replacing doctors but assisting them in reaching patients in remote areas. Within 40-50 minutes, a patient can receive a prescription from a specialist through AI-facilitated telemedicine,” he explained.

Despite AI’s benefits, Dr. Singh cautioned against over-reliance on the technology. He recalled an AI-driven public grievance redressal system where human intervention was needed to ensure empathetic responses.

“Technology must serve as an enabler, not a substitute for human judgment,” he emphasized.

India’s Healthcare Growth & Biotech Advancements

The minister highlighted India's rapid advancements in healthcare under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, particularly through Ayushman Bharat, the world’s largest health insurance initiative.

“It is perhaps the only scheme that insures even pre-existing diseases, making healthcare truly inclusive and accessible,” he stated.

He also noted the establishment of over 1.5 lakh wellness centers and the dedicated Ministry of Ayush, which integrates traditional and modern medicine.

India’s leadership in biotechnology was another key focus of his speech. He pointed out the country’s exponential biotech growth, from just 50 startups before 2014 to over 9,000 today, contributing to a bioeconomy valued at over $130 billion.

He also announced significant milestones, including the development of India’s first indigenous antibiotic, Naphthomycin, and the successful completion of gene therapy trials for hemophilia, published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

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