Artificial intelligence is becoming an important assistant in hospitals and clinics. It does not replace doctors, but it can help them work faster and catch problems earlier.

1. Reading medical images

AI systems trained on large numbers of X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and eye scans can highlight possible signs of disease, such as lung problems, fractures or tumours, helping radiologists prioritise urgent cases. In India, AI tools have been used to help screen chest X-rays for tuberculosis.

2. Early detection

AI can screen eye images for diabetic retinopathy, a diabetes-related eye disease that can cause blindness if missed, which is especially helpful where eye specialists are scarce. Researchers are also developing AI to spot early signs of cancer and heart disease.

3. Drug discovery

Developing a new medicine traditionally takes many years. AI helps scientists predict how molecules will behave and how proteins fold, which can speed up research. The AlphaFold system’s work on predicting protein structures was recognised with the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

4. Telemedicine and rural care

AI-powered tools can support health workers in villages, help triage patients, translate between languages, and remind patients to take medicines.

5. Hospital efficiency

AI can help manage appointments, predict bed demand and reduce paperwork, giving doctors more time with patients.

Limits and concerns

• Accuracy: AI can make mistakes, especially with data unlike what it was trained on.
• Bias: if training data does not represent all groups, results may be less accurate for some people.
• Privacy: health data is highly sensitive and must be protected.
• Responsibility: final medical decisions should remain with qualified professionals.

This article is for general knowledge only. Please consult a qualified doctor for any health concern.