All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna, has partnered with the e-health division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to develop cutting-edge, AI-powered healthcare solutions. As part of this initiative, AIIMS-Patna has also acquired several AI-enabled medical devices aimed at improving patient care and treatment outcomes.
Building AI Awareness and Competence
Dr. Sanjiv Kumar, Head of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department at AIIMS-Patna, emphasized the urgent need to understand AI principles in the modern healthcare ecosystem. “AI is transforming healthcare, education, and research on a large scale. It’s essential that we build a foundational understanding of how these tools work,” he said.
He further explained that AI algorithms can analyze medical images—such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans—to detect diseases like cancer, heart conditions, and neurological disorders. “AI identifies patterns that even experienced doctors may overlook. With AI-powered devices, even beginners can interpret ECGs with confidence,” he added.
Robotic Surgery Boosts Precision in Orthopaedics
Highlighting AI’s impact on surgical care, Dr. Kumar shared that the orthopaedics department at AIIMS-Patna has successfully launched robotic surgery. “This innovation has significantly improved surgical precision and patient recovery outcomes,” he noted. He further pointed out that AI-driven data analytics now support predictive healthcare, enabling better and faster decision-making.
State Health Department Launches AI-Based TB Screening
In a move to combat tuberculosis, the Bihar state health department has made a major announcement. It will launch an intensive AI-powered screening campaign. Mobile health teams will visit villages with handheld X-ray machines. They will use AI-controlled diagnostic kits to identify people affected by TB.
Currently, the state reports around two lakh TB cases, with over 10,000 related deaths recorded between 2022 and 2024. Health officials believe that AI will dramatically improve detection and treatment.
AI to Enable Faster Diagnosis and Treatment Protocols
As reported by TOI, Pramod Kumar Singh, Director-in-Chief (Disease Control), stated, “AI will not only allow rapid TB detection through X-rays and data analytics but will also recommend personalized treatment protocols based on diagnostic data.” He expressed optimism that the screening would be completed swiftly, ensuring timely treatment for patients.
Call for Widespread Adoption of AI Equipment
Dr. Satish Kumar of Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH) called for wider use of AI-based diagnostic tools. He urged their deployment across state health centers. “Installing these tools will allow early disease detection and efficient treatment, ultimately easing the burden on hospitals by shortening treatment timelines,” he explained.