Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the health system of UP is being empowered with AI and digital technology. AI is providing better, faster and accessible services in teleconsultation, TB control, mother-child health and non-communicable diseases.
Lucknow. Due to the clear policy and visionary thinking of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the nature of health services in the country’s most populous state Uttar Pradesh is changing rapidly. With a population of around 24 crores, vast rural areas and challenges ranging from maternal and child health to non-communicable diseases, the state’s health system is being made technology-enabled and future-proof.
AI becomes powerful supporting tool in health sector
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a strong supporting tool in health services in Uttar Pradesh. AI is improving decision making, diagnosis and quality of treatment. The Yogi government has proven that with strong political will, better digital infrastructure and dedication of frontline workers, AI health services can be taken to new heights.
UP most capable state for AI based health solutions
According to Additional Chief Secretary (Health and Medical Education) Amit Kumar Ghosh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has a clear vision to provide better, accessible and timely health services to the common people through technology. In the last nine and a quarter years, along with strengthening the health infrastructure, priority has been given to digital platforms. That is why today Uttar Pradesh is among the leading states where there is the most potential to implement AI based health solutions.
10 lakh frontline health workers and strong digital platform
Nearly 10 lakh frontline health workers in the state, including ASHAs, ANMs, nurses and doctors, remain the backbone of health services from rural to urban areas. To make their work simple and effective, digital platforms like HMIS, RCH Portal, Nikshay Portal (TB Control) and e-Sanjeevani are active. These platforms are no longer limited to just data collection, but are also playing an important role in policy making, monitoring and quick decisions.
UP number one in the country in teleconsultation
Additional Chief Secretary said that the Yogi government has made digital public infrastructure the main basis of health improvement. Telemedicine network has expanded significantly through e-Sanjeevani. Today Uttar Pradesh has become the state providing maximum teleconsultation in the country. This network is now moving towards adopting AI based clinical decision system.
Better treatment through AI based clinical decision support system
Currently, AI based Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) is helping doctors in primary health centers and telemedicine services to take treatment decisions. This system suggests treatment options based on the patient’s symptoms, medical history and available data. This has improved the quality of treatment and also reduced the pressure on doctors in hospitals with more patients. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath believes that AI cannot replace the doctor, but makes him more capable.
Identification of TB affected areas and patient groups through AI
Director General of National Health Mission, Dr. Pinky Joval said that TB eradication in the state is one of the top priorities of the Yogi government. By combining AI based analysis tools with the Nikshay portal, areas and patient groups are being identified where the risk is higher. Mapping and early warning systems are allowing better planning of resources and timely intervention.
AI also plays an important role in maternal and child health
Reduction in maternal and child mortality rate is also among the priorities of the Yogi government. AI based tools are helping in identification of high-risk pregnancies, timely referral and neonatal care. Due to digital signals being received by frontline workers, they are able to take necessary steps in time.
AI is helping in identifying non-communicable diseases
Non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension are increasing rapidly in the state. According to NFHS-5, about 6.5 percent of adults in the country suffer from diabetes. In Uttar Pradesh, AI is strengthening screening and early detection at the community level. Pilot projects such as retinal image analysis to identify diabetic retinopathy have made the screening and referral system more effective.
Yogi government working on human-centric AI model
The AI model being adopted in the state is completely human-centric. The technology is being developed keeping in mind the experience of ASHAs, ANMs, nurses and doctors. Early pilot projects have shown that when AI solutions are tailored to the needs on the ground, they are more easily adopted. This is increasing collaboration with research institutes, technology companies and donor agencies.
Efforts towards making UP an AI health model state
Yogi government is continuously working towards making Uttar Pradesh a model state of AI based health innovation. Under this, special emphasis is being laid on ethical and inclusive AI, better data quality, clear framework for AI solutions and capacity building, so that other states can also learn from this model.