The Director of AIIMS-Delhi, Dr. M Srinivas, has expressed concerns regarding the current state of medical education in India. He emphasizes the declining trend of students engaging in hands-on learning by the patient’s bedside, a crucial aspect of medical training. This trend, he believes, is fueled by several factors, including the increasing reliance on online resources like Google and the intense focus on securing admission to postgraduate (PG) courses.
Dr. Srinivas highlights that while the internet offers valuable information, students are sacrificing valuable time spent interacting directly with patients, learning from senior doctors, and gaining practical experience in wards, casualty, and operation theaters. The pursuit of PG courses, often driven by competitive entrance exams, has shifted the focus from comprehensive medical education to exam preparation, neglecting the importance of bedside learning.
However, Dr. Srinivas also acknowledges the immense potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in revolutionizing healthcare, particularly in India’s vast population. He emphasizes that AI is already being incorporated into various departments at AIIMS-Delhi, aiding in diagnostics and enhancing patient care. AI-powered tools can analyze X-rays and CT scans, identifying abnormalities and providing rapid diagnosis. This can be particularly helpful for triaging patients, prioritizing those requiring immediate intervention.
Furthermore, AI can facilitate telemedicine, allowing doctors in remote areas to consult with specialists located in major cities. For instance, AI can assist in identifying diabetic retinopathy, a condition that requires specialized ophthalmologists. By automatically filtering out normal retina images, AI can expedite diagnosis and ensure timely intervention.
Dr. Srinivas also addresses the growing concern of lifestyle diseases in India. While infectious diseases like appendicitis, cholera, and typhoid are becoming less prevalent, chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cancer are on the rise. This, he explains, is a consequence of lifestyle factors, population growth, and increasing lifespans. He stresses the role of media in promoting awareness of healthy diets and lifestyles.
Finally, Dr. Srinivas advocates for an integrated approach to healthcare, combining modern medicine with traditional systems like Ayurveda and Yoga. He believes these systems should not be seen as competitors but as complementary, emphasizing the potential of integrating proven Ayurvedic therapies with modern medical treatments. AIIMS-Delhi already incorporates this approach, recommending Ayurvedic, Yoga, and meditation therapies alongside allopathic drugs for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and migraine.
