Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, said that technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are rapidly transforming the healthcare sector in India.
He was speaking at a healthcare conclave where 26 young medical professionals from across the country were honoured for their work. The awards were given to doctors from different specialities, including oncology, paediatrics, endocrinology, orthopaedics and emergency medicine.
Dr Singh said that recognising doctors early in their careers motivates them to work harder and aim for excellence. According to him, awards received during the prime years of a career often inspire professionals more than honours given later in life.
Talking about changes in the medical field, he said healthcare is evolving quickly due to new technologies and AI tools. These advancements have improved diagnosis, treatment planning and patient care. However, he stressed that doctors remain at the centre of healthcare. Experience, clinical judgement and human understanding are still essential in treating patients.
He also shared his views on how medical education has changed over the years. Earlier, medical students focused deeply on a few diseases to understand the broader subject of medicine. Today, medicine has expanded into many specialised branches, supported by modern equipment and digital systems.
Dr Singh noted that the growing use of AI and digital technology has made healthcare more advanced but also more complex. He advised young doctors to develop expertise in specific areas and continuously update their knowledge to keep pace with new developments.
He also spoke about challenges in the post-COVID era. While infectious diseases remain a concern, lifestyle-related health problems are also rising, creating added pressure on healthcare systems.
