Kolkata, July 01 (Representative) West Bengal joined the rest of the country on Saturday in celebrating the “National Doctors Day” honouring the remarkable contributions of healthcare heroes across India. The day is also special for the state as the celebrated physician and former chief minister Bidhan Chandra Roy was born in 1882, Bankipore, Patna, and died in 1962, Kolkata, on this day. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Resilience and Healing Hands,” acknowledges the unwavering commitment of doctors in safeguarding society’s health and well-being. With the convergence of start-up culture, AI technology, and the government’s vision of “Make AI in India” and “Make AI work for India,” the stage is set for a transformative era in digital health and Doctors are at the centre of this, by leveraging their clinical expertise, they are poised to play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful implementation and governance of new technologies that can positively impact patient outcomes. As suggested by data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), India’s doctor-to-patient ratio has plummeted sharply to about 0.7 doctors per 1,000 patients in the year 2020, from its record high of 1.2 doctors per 1,000 patients in 1991.
The uneven distribution of medical resources across the rural urban population the divide is felt all the more acutely in the field of specialised care with the shortage of surgeons, physicians, gynaecologists and paediatricians. However, the medics opined that the AI technology has emerged as a powerful tool with the potential to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility in healthcare delivery. The need for collaboration between doctors and innovators is crucial in building an intrusive healthcare ecosystem that addresses the diverse healthcare needs of India’s vast population. AI-driven solutions hold the potential to bridge the gap created by the scarcity of medical resources. By leveraging AI’s capabilities, doctors can overcome the limitations imposed by workforce constraints and optimize healthcare delivery. This can not only improve the overall quality of care but also enhance patient outcomes. The Make in India program and the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) initiated by the government are playing a crucial role in promoting the adoption of technology within the healthcare industry.
As of 2021, there were 3,548 active startups operating in the healthtech sector, as per a report from the industry. Over the past decade, startups have effectively utilized technological tools such as AI, IoT, ML, and big data to address various healthcare challenges. Dozee, India’s first AI-based contactless Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) and Early Warning System (EWS) for continuous patient monitoring, is a notable example. Dr. Lallu Joseph, Quality Manager, CMC Vellore and National Secretary General, CAHO, a leading healthcare industry body, expressed admiration for the dedication and resilience of doctors on National Doctors Day. She commended “Doctors are the key pillars who can searhead the transformation of healthcare in India. The collaborative efforts of doctors and innovators will not only shape the future of healthcare but also address the challenges of accessibility, affordability, and quality. By leveraging AI and supporting ‘Made-in-India’ start-ups, healthcare can become more patient-centric, efficient, and equitable, ensuring that every individual receives the care they deserve.”