India Becomes a Global Center for AI in Healthcare
AMSTERDAM: India is now a key player in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for healthcare, contributing over 85% of Philips’ global projects in this area. This shift highlights India’s rising influence in creating advanced medical technologies, particularly as Philips focuses on AI-driven diagnostics to tackle the shortage of imaging services and specialists in the country.
Philips’ innovation center in Bengaluru has become its largest hub worldwide, where thousands of engineers are working on AI healthcare technologies that cater to both Indian and global markets. Özlem Fidanci, Philips’ Chief of International Region, noted that India’s rich talent pool and digital expertise have made it vital to the company’s global AI strategy.
Despite improvements in healthcare access, there remain significant gaps in advanced diagnostic services like MRI and CT scans, especially in rural areas. Fidancı emphasized that the challenges stem from a mix of issues, including infrastructure, financing, skilled personnel, and technology.
“The real opportunity lies in merging data, AI, smart software, and hardware into integrated solutions that enhance productivity in healthcare,” she explained. She stressed that AI should complement clinicians, ensuring they are supported rather than replaced.
New AI-enabled MRI systems are set to transform patient care in Indian hospitals. These systems can reduce scan times by up to threefold and improve image quality by as much as 65%, allowing healthcare facilities to serve more patients without additional resources. Workflow automation further streamlines processes, especially in settings with limited resources.
Patrick Mans, Philips’ Global Head of Data and AI, pointed out that AI is already making a difference in healthcare today. “Our Future Health Index reveals that 71% of healthcare workers have experienced better workflow efficiency thanks to AI, with nearly half saying it allows them to see more patients,” he said. AI is also taking over routine administrative tasks and aiding doctors in analyzing medical images, while final decisions remain with the healthcare professionals.
Addressing worries about job replacement, Fidancı clarified that AI is meant to enhance the roles of doctors, nurses, and technicians by handling repetitive tasks, letting them dedicate more time to patient care. She mentioned that Philips has trained over 1,000 healthcare workers in India in the past year to effectively use AI tools.
Additionally, Philips is collaborating with Bajaj Integrated Health System to create a connected digital healthcare network in India, expecting AI-driven diagnostics to significantly improve access to quality healthcare beyond urban areas.
