AI will enhance healthcare efficiency and disease detection

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is expected to greatly change healthcare in the coming years. Dr. D. Nageshwara Reddy, a well-known gastroenterologist and chairman of AIG Hospital, believes AI will improve patient care and disease detection, while also making treatments more affordable. Dr. Reddy explains that with AI, healthcare systems can operate more efficiently. He anticipates that patients will see a reduction in medical bills by 20 to 30 percent. By analyzing large amounts of data, AI can aid in decision-making and help address staff shortages in hospitals. He emphasizes that the accuracy of the data fed into AI systems is crucial for generating correct results. Dr. Reddy reassures that AI will not replace doctors but will serve as a valuable tool. He warns that doctors who do not embrace AI may fall behind their peers who do. Dr. Reddy shared examples of how AI can detect diseases that traditional methods miss. In one case, an MRI scan showed no issues, but AI later identified a potential risk of pancreatic cancer. Another example involved a TB patient whose illness was only found after AI detected an unusual protein. AI is also improving surgery by enhancing precision, helping to minimize complications. Wearable devices like smartwatches can monitor health in real time, allowing timely medical responses. AI is speeding up drug discovery, reducing the time to develop new medications from over 20 years to about two. Despite the benefits, Dr. Reddy warns of challenges. He stresses the importance of accurate data for AI to function correctly. Concerns about cybersecurity are also significant, as wrong data could lead to serious consequences. He calls for government regulations to ensure safe AI use in healthcare.