K’taka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao Highlights Role of Technology in Healthcare

At the 9th edition of CAHOTECH 2024, Karnataka's Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Dinesh Gundu Rao, delivered a forward-looking address, emphasising the  potential of technology in healthcare. The event, held at the Indian Institute of Science, brought together healthcare experts, technology providers, and startups to explore how advancements in digital health and AI can reshape the healthcare landscape in India.

Rao highlighted the importance of collaboration between technology developers and healthcare institutions, emphasising the need for solutions that can be deployed effectively in both urban hospitals and remote health centers.

A key focus of his speech was the vast potential of digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), in diagnosing and treating patients efficiently. He pointed to the success of the Puneeth Rajkumar health initiative in Karnataka as an example. Through this program, 74 hospitals across the state are equipped with AI-assisted ECG devices that enable rapid diagnosis of heart conditions, such as STEMI, within minutes. Minister Rao explained how these devices help frontline healthcare workers in smaller towns and rural areas make swift decisions, saving lives in critical situations. The initiative has already saved 245 lives by ensuring timely administration of life-saving interventions.

Health minister also discussed the broader application of AI in Karnataka's public healthcare system, where AI is being used to scan digital X-rays for early detection of tuberculosis (TB) and lung cancer. He emphasised the importance of scalable technologies that can be implemented at a mass level, urging innovators to develop solutions that cater to the diverse and expansive needs of the state.

Reflecting on the rapid evolution of healthcare technology, Minister Rao underscored the need for knowledge-sharing platforms like CAHOTECH to enable stakeholders to learn from each other and implement the most effective solutions. He stressed that while private healthcare facilities can benefit from advanced technologies, the public sector stands to gain the most from such innovations, as they can help bridge gaps in healthcare access, particularly in underserved regions.

Minister Rao concluded by inviting startups and technology companies to collaborate with the Karnataka government in advancing healthcare technologies, stating that the state is already working with several companies on various projects. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to leveraging AI and digital health solutions to improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery, reduce costs, and ultimately save more lives.

His speech underscored the critical role that technology can play in not only improving the quality of care but also expanding access to cutting-edge healthcare services to all corners of the state.