Jammu, Sep 26: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday said India is poised to globally lead the next generation of medical practices, with the country making rapid advances across the life sciences and emerging areas of medical research and technology.
Describing the present phase as an exciting time for medicine, the minister of state in the prime ministers office said the emergence of new technologies is opening up new possibilities in healthcare, but the challenge would be to achieve an optimum synergy between technology-driven practices and clinical medicine.
He said the future of medical practice would require an optimum synergy between technology-driven practices and clinical medicine, with Artificial Intelligence (AI), genomics, quantum technologies and other emerging technologies opening new frontiers in healthcare.
Addressing the first Aarogya Shikhar Samman – A Medical Investiture Ceremony organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Chapter of the International Medical Sciences Academy (IMSA) here, the minister said AI is proving to be a major boon in several therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
He referred to its ability to reduce the time required for cultures and facilitate gene sequencing, while stressing that technology should not become a substitute for clinical medicine.
Among those felicitated at the ceremony were former principal, GMC, Jammu Rajender Singh, former member governing body AIIMS Patna and former Professor and Head Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Indu Kaul Khoda and former Heads of Departments of GMC Jammu.
Cautioning against a situation where excessive dependence on technology could undermine the clinical sense of the doctor, the minister said while technology-enabled options should not be left unavailable, clinical judgement must remain an essential component of patient care.
Singh also cautioned against injudicious commercialisation in medical practice and the unnecessary prescription of investigations, saying prescribing an avoidable investigation could undermine the trust between a doctor and a patient.
Highlighting with the revolutionary changes taking place across medical science and the life sciences, he said, “India is moving towards a position where new practices in medical care can be led by indigenous research, innovation and technology…India is poised to globally lead next generation of medical practices.”
He expressed the hope that Jammu and Kashmir would not lag behind in this transformation, given its potential and capabilities.
He called for a change in mindset and a reorientation and reinvention of approaches towards medicine so that J&K can participate more actively in the emerging areas of clinical medicine, biotechnology and technology-driven healthcare.
Referring to the wider transformation taking place in the life sciences, the minister said India is now active across a range of emerging fields, including biotechnology, genomics, precision medicine, vaccines, nuclear medicine, nanomedicine and biomanufacturing.
He referred to India’s biotechnology policy, Bio E3, covering biotechnology for environment, economy and employment, and said biotechnology is expected to play a major role in the next industrial revolution.
He highlighted India’s progress in vaccines and preventive healthcare.
On genomics and genetic medicine, Singh referred to the India Genome Sequence initiative and highlighted the successful trial in the treatment of haemophilia through a genetic option, with the research published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
He said India’s capabilities have evolved to a stage where the country is undertaking trials, research and innovation not merely for its own requirements but also for the benefit of others. “India is now finding remedies not only for diseases originating in tropical regions but also for diseases historically reported in the West.”
Singh also highlighted the expansion of India’s bio-economy and the growing support for life-sciences research, ever since PM Narendra Modi took over.
He referred to the initiative of rolling out a Rs 1 lakh crore research development innovation fund, with 50 per cent contribution from the private sector and 50 per cent from the government, as an effort to catalyse private-sector participation in research and innovation.
The Union Minister also highlighted developments in nuclear medicine, referring to a successful trial in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at the Tata Institute in Mumbai.
On nanomedicine, Singh referred to research into nano-insulin for oral use and work on nano-bots for targeted breast-cancer nanotherapy, highlighting the possibilities emerging from the application of nanotechnology in medical treatment.
He urged both government and non-government institutions in Jammu and Kashmir to become partners in these emerging areas of medical research and innovation.
He said financial, technical and infrastructure support is available and encouraged institutions in the region to submit proposals.
Singh said the support available includes financial assistance, technical support, hand-holding and infrastructure, including laboratories and facilities for institutions that approach the government.
He urged the medical and scientific community in Jammu and Kashmir to be more forthcoming in submitting proposals so that opportunities could be pursued on the basis of merit.
