- ‘2 pilot projects already started, rest in pipeline’
Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, June 23: In a significant development, Health authorities have given their approval for the implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based diagnostic solutions in selected hospitals across the Kashmir division, with a particular focus on healthcare facilities in the peripheries.
According to information obtained by ‘Excelsior’, the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir (DHSK), in collaboration with the India Sweden Healthcare Innovation Centre (ISHIC), has granted approval for the integration of ‘Qure.ai,’ an AI-powered chest X-ray interpretation tool, to detect lung diseases at District Hospital Kupwara, Budgam, Shopian, Bijbehara, and Sub-District Hospital Sopore.
Officials from ISHIC, responsible for implementing the pilot program at these hospitals, revealed that the DHSK has agreed to work with five facilities in Kashmir.
“The deployment of QXR has already been completed at District Hospital Shopian and District Hospital Kupwara, and the remaining three facilities will be covered by next week. ISHIC and its knowledge partner, AstraZeneca India, have collaborated to implement AI-powered chest X-rays,” the officials stated.
They further explained that the chest X-ray interpretation tool is expected to aid in the early and easy detection of lung diseases, including lung cancer, underlining that the AI-powered X-ray is designed to identify lung nodules in under a minute, thereby reducing the likelihood of undetected lung cancers.
Additionally, the DHSK has approved a pilot project for the Alveofit-Digital Spirometer at selected hospitals, including District Hospital Pulwama, DTC Anantnag, District Hospital Bandipora, and Sub-District Hospital Kupwara. For this as well, the ISHIC will sponsor the pilot for the agreed-upon timeframe.
The official stated that the Alveofit-Digital Spirometer incorporates an intelligent machine learning system that comprehends triggers, symptoms, and medication usage patterns to provide relevant insights, underling that it plays a key role in Pulmonary Function Test (PFT).
“The implementation agency has been instructed to proceed with baseline data collection and the deployment of the solution at the selected public health facilities,” officials stated.
Among the range of AI solutions in healthcare facilities, the DHSK has also approved a pilot project for the deployment of Insta-ECG, which aids in the management of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
Officials informed that the Insta-ECG is a portable machine that provides AI and medical expertise-based reports within minutes, enhancing the quality of practice with reports generated by medical experts powered by AI.
As per the officials and, the implementation of the Insta-ECG solution will be carried out by Tricog Health Solution and will also be sponsored by the same company for the agreed-upon timeframe.
“We were impressed by its ability to save lives, as demonstrated during the presentation. We have given the go-ahead for the collection of baseline data and the deployment of the solutions at selected public health facilities,” the officials confirmed.
Dr Mir Mushtaq, the DHSK’s nodal officer for the implementation of AI-driven diagnostic solutions in Kashmir hospitals, expressed his enthusiasm, stating that AI is revolutionizing all sectors. “Through these initiatives, the Health Department aims to utilize these solutions to enhance patient care in a better and seamless manner,” he concluded.
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