AI in healthcare could reduce diagnostic costs: AP health minister

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a lighthouse state in the adoption of artificial intelligence(AI) in healthcare services through the MedTech Challenge initiative, said health minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav on Tuesday.Participating in the valedictory session of the “Healthcare System–AI-based Services” programme held at Mangalagiri, the health minister said AI would play a key role in reducing the disease burden and strengthening the healthcare ecosystem in the state. He stated that AI-powered diagnostic tools provide more accurate results, enabling doctors to deliver timely and advanced treatment to patients.Satya Kumar Yadav said the use of AI in healthcare could significantly reduce diagnostic costs and lessen the financial burden on families. Faster diagnosis and treatment would also help patients recover quickly, bringing relief to their families, he added.He noted that AI-based interventions could help reduce the burden of 10 categories of diseases, particularly non-communicable diseases, and improve overall public health outcomes. The minister said advanced technologies would contribute to the goals of Viksit Bharat and Viksit Andhra Pradesh.Highlighting the MedTech Challenge initiative, the minister said 18 startup organisations had provided healthcare services through pilot projects in hospitals across the state using different technological solutions. He called upon startups to come forward and contribute towards delivering quality healthcare at affordable costs.The minister also claimed that healthcare infrastructure in the state was being strengthened under the present government, leading to a 20% increase in outpatient services, along with growth in inpatient services and diagnostic testing. He further said Andhra Pradesh ranked first in the country in registrations under the ABHA programme.During the event, cash incentives and appreciation certificates were presented to startups that performed well under the MedTech Challenge. Winners across various categories included Solicit Technologies in AI-powered diagnostics, Remidio Innovative Solutions in portable point-of-care devices, CareNX Innovations in smart monitoring and wearables, and Rejuvin Medicare India in remote monitoring.