AI can't replace physicians, says Indian healthcare leader

Balaram Bhargava, the former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), spoke at the graduation ceremony for medical and dental students at GITAM University. He emphasized that while Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help in medicine, it cannot replace doctors. According to Bhargava, physicians need strong communication skills, compassion, and empathy to connect with patients. During the event, 305 graduates received their degrees in MBBS, BDS, and MDS programs. Bhargava encouraged the new doctors to continuously improve their medical knowledge and technical skills. He also highlighted the importance of soft skills, such as communication and the ability to adapt to new healthcare trends. Bhargava noted that Indian healthcare professionals are recognized worldwide for their expertise. He mentioned that India is becoming a major destination for medical tourism, with many patients seeking affordable and high-quality healthcare. He stressed the importance of doctor-patient relationships. According to him, human interaction is essential for building trust and comfort, which are important for a patient’s recovery. M. Sribharath, the president of GITAM and a Member of Parliament, said healthcare is always changing. He urged graduates to focus on serving rural communities to help improve healthcare access.