Transformative Year For Healthcare AI: 2024 Year-End Highlights

Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic fantasy. From the moment we wake up to the time we rest our heads, AI is quietly working behind the scenes, transforming industries and redefining what’s possible. In 2024, healthcare emerged as a major frontier for AI advancements, showcasing innovations that promise to revolutionise patient care, streamline operations, and accelerate medical research.

2024 saw remarkable advancements in healthcare technology, with AI driving groundbreaking progress in several areas. Gerald Jaideep, CEO of Medvarsity, highlighted how AI is "not just enhancing treatment but redefining our understanding of health itself," emphasising its role in predictive analytics, personalised medicine, and operational efficiency. However, he cautioned that the vast potential of AI must always prioritise enhancing patient care.

The year marked significant strides in the integration of AI into healthcare systems. According to Vaishali Nambiar, Executive Vice President at CitiusTech, the rollout of 5G infrastructure enabled healthcare to reach remote corners of the country, while frameworks for ethical AI integration ensured scalable and compliant adoption. Radical interoperability allowed diverse data modalities, such as imaging and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), to generate actionable insights. These developments facilitated advanced diagnostics, enhanced device functionality, and improved patient outcomes. Additionally, generative AI models like AlphaFold2 and MoLeR revolutionised drug discovery, reducing costs and accelerating timelines.

Investments and Global Impact

AI’s transformative potential has captured the attention of investors and philanthropies worldwide. Kunal Walia, Partner at Dalberg Advisors, revealed that 40 per cent of India’s total investments in AI between 2013 and 2022 were made in 2022, reflecting the growing momentum. More than $1.6 billion was pledged by global philanthropies toward AI-related activities over the last five years, with 56 per cent earmarked for healthcare. This influx of funding has been instrumental in propelling AI-driven innovations in the sector.

“Looking ahead, the health-tech industry is poised for accelerated growth in 2025, with government initiatives like the National Digital Health Mission offering a strong foundation. Projections suggest the sector will reach a $50 billion valuation by 2030, driven by innovations in telemedicine, AI, and personalised diagnostics,” said Priyadarshi Mohapatra, Founder & CEO, CureBay. 

Trust in AI and Patient-Centric Care

Building trust in AI remains a critical focus for the healthcare industry. Nambiar emphasised that robust cybersecurity measures and strong data governance frameworks are essential to ensure that sensitive patient data is protected. She pointed out how technologies like Generative AI enhance trust by aiding doctors in predicting diseases before onset and freeing clinicians to focus entirely on patient care. Furthermore, CitiusTech’s launch of a Generative AI Quality & Trust solution demonstrated its commitment to integrating quality and reliability into AI systems.

Dozee’s Groundbreaking Innovations

Dozee, a pioneer in remote patient monitoring (RPM), made significant waves in 2024. CEO and Co-Founder Mudit Dandwate highlighted the launch of two groundbreaking products: Dozee Shravan, an AI-powered system for monitoring elderly patients remotely, and Dozee VS, a next-generation contactless solution for continuous vitals tracking. A landmark study conducted at King George’s Medical University showcased the life-saving potential of Dozee’s Early Warning System, which can predict patient deterioration up to 16 hours in advance. This breakthrough underscores the vital role of AI in improving patient safety and outcomes.

Dozee’s unique approach to healthcare technology sets it apart from traditional systems. Its completely contactless RPM solutions eliminate discomfort and infection risks, while advanced features like wireless SpO2 monitoring, non-intrusive temperature tracking, and smart alerts ensure comprehensive care. Customisable alert systems and robust arrhythmia detection capabilities further solidify Dozee’s position as a leader in health AI.

Vision for the Future

As the year comes to a close, the vision for AI in healthcare continues to evolve. Nambiar outlined CitiusTech’s ambitious goals of achieving 15-20 per cent annual growth while deepening its expertise in data analytics, AI, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity. The company aims to lead in generative AI delivery, driving innovation and differentiation in healthcare technology. Similarly, Dozee’s advancements in ambulatory care, cardiac monitoring, dialysis management, and step-down ICUs demonstrate a commitment to expanding the boundaries of healthcare accessibility and efficiency.

With advancements in AI, a question arises: how will patients trust AI? Addressing this, Dr. Vijay Singh Chauhan, Chairman and Managing Director of Prakash Hospital, Noida, said, “Building trust in AI begins with transparency and reliability. We should focus on educating patients about how AI complements human judgment rather than replacing it. By demonstrating consistent results, maintaining ethical practices, and involving skilled professionals in the process, we can ensure that patients feel confident in the care they receive.”

2024 was a transformative year for AI in healthcare, marked by pioneering innovations, increased investments, and a steadfast focus on patient-centric care. As AI continues to redefine what’s possible, the industry’s commitment to ethical integration and data security will be key to ensuring trust and maximising its potential. The journey ahead promises even greater advancements, cementing AI’s role as a catalyst for change in global healthcare.

Sambhav Kumar

BW Reporters