CMC hosts health data and AI symposium in Vellore

The Christian Medical College (CMC) in Vellore hosted its 14th annual symposium on health data and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This event was organized by the Biomedical Informatics Unit (BMIU) and supported by the Council of Accredited Health Organizations (CAHO). Its goal was to raise awareness in the healthcare community, promote collaboration, and create a space for exploring advancements in health data and AI. During the opening speech, Karthik Adapa, a Regional Advisor for Digital Health at the World Health Organization, highlighted the importance of teamwork among healthcare providers, industry, and academic institutions. He referenced a breast cancer screening project in Punjab, recently published in the journal Nature, to demonstrate the benefits of new digital tools in healthcare. Adapa also stressed the need for standards in health data and improved data sharing for research and development. In a video message, Amandeep Singh Gill, a UN official, discussed the significance of data governance. He pointed out the necessity of ensuring patient data confidentiality and privacy without sacrificing data sharing capabilities. The symposium addressed current issues in AI and health, offering numerous scientific posters and presentations. About 600 participants attended, gaining valuable insights. Key figures present included leaders from BMIU and CMC, as well as the CAHO president.