Ranchi: As Jharkhand moves to bring artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare through tie-ups with technology companies, concerns over patient safety are mounting in a state grappling with a shortage of specialist doctors.The concerns assume significance with recent incidents highlighting the dangers of unqualified practitioners relying on healthcare content available on social media platforms.In July 2024, a quack and a nursing home operator in Chatra were arrested after the former allegedly performed caesarean sections after watching YouTube videos. In May this year, a 29-year-old woman died in Palamu’s Harihurgunj after a botched tooth extraction allegedly carried out by a quack.Against this backdrop, the health department in May signed an MoU with Google LLC to integrate AI and modernise hospitals, medical colleges and rural health centres. The initiative aims to improve access to care.In Feb, health minister Irfan Ansari also met a US-based med-tech company to discuss incorporating AI into the state’s healthcare ecosystem.Speaking to TOI, Ansari said the govt was working to address the shortage of specialists. “Within six months, the govt is going to hire 2,000 specialist doctors from Bengaluru, Tamil Nadu and Kerala,” he said.The department will organise a seminar on AI from Sept 30 to Oct 1, with technology companies expected to discuss AI adoption. Ansari said the move would help put Jharkhand on the AI map while improving patient care.He added that the govt planned to introduce postgraduate courses in medical colleges and increase intake capacity to build a pool of specialists within the state.Rims director Dr D K Sinha said AI adoption in Jharkhand remained at a nascent stage. “The full-fledged use of AI in surgeries and other medical procedures is yet to gain momentum. AI should be used as an aid to medical professionals, while human decision-making must remain central,” he said.He added that successful adoption would depend on adequate specialists and safeguards to protect patients.
