India increasingly embracing AI for precision medicine

India is increasingly embracing AI for precision medicine, marking a significant leap towards a technologically advanced healthcare system. The focus is on analyzing patient data with advanced algorithms to provide personalized treatment plans and improve healthcare outcomes. This strategic integration of AI is aimed at enhancing diagnostic accuracy, treatment effectiveness, and patient care. As India continues to invest in AI for precision medicine, it is anticipated that this technology will play a significant role in shaping the future of healthcare in the country.

Emergence of AI in healthcare facilities
By 2024, hospitals in India are gearing up to adopt advanced technologies, including AI for precision medicine and robotic solutions for surgeries. Innovations like GenAI robotics and voice AI like Augnito are gaining momentum for their potential in efficient patient care and disease detection. Hospitals are also integrating AI and Machine Learning in radiology and pathology for diagnosis and triage, as well as in therapeutic use for cancer detection and treatment. The adoption of electronic health records (EHR) has also surged, although challenges persist in data security and clinician comfort with using EHR.

Healthcare and pharma companies eyeing AI
A report by EY reveals that nearly 48 per cent of healthcare and pharma companies in India are poised to integrate first-gen AI solutions within one year. This reflects the potential of Gen AI to benefit every facet of the value chain in healthcare and life sciences. Although concerns about data privacy, cybersecurity, and biased responses need to be addressed, there’s a keen interest in establishing the necessary infrastructure for Gen AI. Healthcare leaders believe that Gen AI will enhance the efficiency of the core healthcare workforce rather than replacing it.

Investment in AI research and development
Major players like Siemens Healthineers and IISc have inaugurated a dedicated lab to develop AI tools for precision medicine, focusing on cancer, cardiovascular, and neurovascular diseases. The lab, which will receive Rs one crore investment over five years, plans to work on open-source AI-based tools for the healthcare industry. The collaboration aims to tackle complex challenges in precision medicine, with a special focus on neuroimaging and early diagnosis of neurological diseases.

Fostering female representation in AI
The collaboration between Siemens Healthineers and IISc includes six M.Tech fellowships for women, aiming to enhance female representation in AI. The lab will develop AI-based tools to automate the segmentation of pathological findings in neuroimaging data, focusing on accurately diagnosing neurological diseases. The lab aims to integrate computational models into clinical workflows and leverage AI for precise diagnoses and evidence-based treatments. This partnership marks a milestone in AI research in India, aiming to combat neurovascular diseases and pioneer breakthroughs in healthcare.

Government and startups investing in AI for precision medicine
India is focusing on the use of AI in precision medicine, leveraging this technology to develop personalized treatments based on patients’ genetic makeup and medical history. This approach has the potential to improve treatment outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. Several Indian startups and research institutions are working on AI-driven solutions for precision medicine, backed by government investment. This concerted effort is paving the way for a new era in healthcare where AI plays a pivotal role in improving diagnosis, treatment, and overall patient care. Medriva