AI Must Be Multilingual, Voice-Enabled For Better Healthcare: Officials
Senior health officials have stressed that Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare must be multilingual and voice-enabled to effectively reach the last mile, especially in rural India.
Key Takeaways
- AI in healthcare must be multilingual and voice-enabled for wider reach.
- A strong regulatory framework is needed for ethical and responsible AI use.
- Data privacy, security, affordability, and accessibility are critical challenges.
- A new report calls for more investment in digital health infrastructure and workforce.
Call for Inclusive AI at Global Summit
At the 3rd Annual Global Digital Health Summit 2024, Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, highlighted AI’s potential as a game-changer. He stated, “AI can be a game-changer in healthcare, but it must be multilingual and voice-enabled to ensure that it reaches the last mile.”
Need for Regulation and Data Security
Dr. Goel emphasised the urgent need for a robust regulatory framework. “We need to have a robust regulatory framework for AI in healthcare. We need to ensure that AI is used ethically and responsibly,” he said. He also flagged data privacy and security as paramount, stressing the protection of patient data.
Experts Highlight Accessibility and Affordability
Experts at the summit, organised by the IHW Council, agreed on AI’s transformative potential but pointed to significant hurdles. Beyond regulation, they focused on making technology accessible and affordable in rural areas. One expert noted, “AI has the potential to revolutionise healthcare, but we need to make sure that it is accessible and affordable to everyone.”
New Report on India’s Digital Health Landscape
The summit featured the launch of a new report on digital health in India. While acknowledging the country’s progress, the report identified key challenges. It recommended greater investment in and developing a skilled workforce to drive the adoption of digital health technologies.
