Ranchi: The state will host a two-day digital health conclave on Wednesday and Thursday, with discussions centred on artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare and the expansion of robotic surgery, tele-ICU, telemedicine, teleradiology and other technology-enabled services.On the eve of the event, health minister Irfan Ansari said on Tuesday that the conclave would help Jharkhand emerge as a model state in digital healthcare.“My vision is to make Jharkhand a model state in digital healthcare. The govt is working continuously to ensure that modern technology reaches poor and needy patients across the state, rather than its benefits remaining limited to urban areas,” Ansari said.He said the govt was focused on upgrading the skills of healthcare professionals and making medical services more efficient, faster and affordable through technology.The conclave will feature demonstrations of advanced technologies by leading institutions, doctors, technology experts and healthcare professionals from India and abroad. “Participants will also discuss the adoption of technologies relevant to Jharkhand’s healthcare needs,” Ansari said.The health department has taken steps towards adopting AI and digital tools, including tie-ups with technology companies. In May, the department signed a memorandum of understanding with Google LLC to integrate AI into the state’s hospitals, medical colleges and rural health centres. The objective is to improve care and make it accessible across the state.In Feb, Ansari held discussions with a US-based medical technology company on incorporating AI into Jharkhand’s health ecosystem.The govt is also working on introducing postgraduate courses and increasing the intake of MBBS seats in the state’s medical colleges and hospitals.Under the Chief Minister’s Digital Health Scheme, hospitals across Jharkhand have been connected to Wi-Fi. “The facility is being used by both doctors and patients. Services such as registration, payments and diagnostic reports have already started being made available through WhatsApp. The initiative will be expanded to all district hospitals in the state,” additional chief secretary (health) Ajoy Kumar Singh said on Tuesday.Singh said technology companies would display their products and solutions at the conclave. The event has been divided into four key areas to assess technologies based on Jharkhand’s healthcare requirements.
