Gynaecologists across India are set to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to improve women’s health and further reduce maternal mortality, which currently stands at 88 deaths per 100,000 live births.
FOGSI Partners with Koita Foundation
On Saturday, the Federation of Obstetric & Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI), representing over 45,000 members, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Koita Foundation. Together, they will establish a Centre for Digital Maternal Care.
FOGSI President Dr. Sunita Tandulwadkar explained that the new centre will train clinicians. It will also support them in integrating digital tools into their daily practice.
Harnessing Data for Better Risk Stratification
Since more than half of FOGSI members own nursing homes, the centre will collect and analyse patient health parameters. This will enable doctors to detect patterns and trends in maternal health.
“Pregnancy involves too many variables that influence a woman’s health,” noted FOGSI past President Dr. Jaydeep Tank. “By studying data from a large number of pregnant women over time, we can stratify risks more effectively, identify danger signs earlier, and intervene in ways that save lives.”
Koita Foundation’s Role in Maternal Care
Highlighting the importance of this collaboration, Rizwan Koita of the Koita Foundation said, “Maternal and childcare remain key health priorities for India. Our goal is to integrate digital technologies into this critical area.”
As reported by TOI, the foundation is already working on AI-driven initiatives in cancer care with Tata Memorial Centre. It is also using AI for diabetes management with the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India.
Need for Digitisation in Clinical Practice
FOGSI’s incoming President Dr. Bhaskar Pal emphasised that only 20% of FOGSI members have digitised their practice. He cautioned, “AI will never replace doctors, but in the next five years, doctors who fail to adopt AI could be replaced.”
Targeting a Further Drop in Maternal Mortality
Dr. Suvarna Khadilkar reaffirmed the centre’s core mission: to lower maternal deaths. “India has already made remarkable progress by reducing maternal mortality from three-digit figures to around 80. With the help of AI, FOGSI now aims to bring this number down to 70,” she stated.