Chennai: There is a huge potential and opportunity to use artificial intelligence in the public health system and deliver proper care to the target population, said Dr Soumya Swaminathan, chairperson, MS Swaminathan Research Foundation at an event on Saturday organised by Super Chennai — a social impact initiative launched by CREDAI Chennai.“Today, private hospitals are using AI very well, especially to track data and gain insights into health outcomes for patients. But in the public health system, there is a need to create a digital database of patients. Then, we can start tracking, monitoring and support extension,” she said.The former WHO chief scientist, who received the ‘Icon of the Month’ award on the occasion, also cautioned that the technology should not merely be used for the sake of it. “AI, before deployment in health, needs to be tested the same way as drugs or vaccines,” she added.Responding to a series of questions on her early life and career where she focused on evidence-based health policy, Dr Soumya stressed the need for people to work with the govt towards solving the environmental crisis. “Getting on the field will help understand the subject and ground reality better. Insights provided by the people who are directly affected by issues, be it fishers or tribals or the elderly, will help shape policies backed by evidence,” she added.Super Chennai managing director Ranjeeth Rathod said the award was to honour Dr Soumya’s legacy of science, compassion and public service inspiring future generations.
