IRREPLACEABLE HUMAN TOUCH

The trend of virtual and remote healthcare—including diagnostics and treatment—is gaining traction globally. Telemedicine, in particular, saw a rapid acceleration during COVID-19, when in-person consultations were often avoided due to the risk of virus transmission. Both healthcare providers and patients embraced remote care as a safer alternative. According to a GlobalData survey, 56 per cent of healthcare professionals believe that the growth of telemedicine and remote care has enhanced patients’ control over their health management. Among them, 13 per cent strongly agreed, while 26 per cent remained neutral. Only 2 per cent disagreed and 3 per cent strongly disagreed, showing widespread acceptance of this shift.

- Dr Milind Kokje Chief Editor [e-mail]

The trend is picking up significantly across Asia. Even Pakistan is exploring the use of artificial general intelligence (AGI) for diagnostics and nursing education. The Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC) has partnered with a California-based AI company to address critical challenges in nursing education. The country faces a staggering shortage of skilled nurses—estimated at over 3 million—& without intervention, it would take more than 90 years to bridge this gap. AI, therefore, is being seen as a vital solution. The rise and spread of virtual care & treatment is also beneficial for the hospitals, as in several places in Asia, they are experiencing a shortage of beds. A recent report from Singapore mentioned that with rising demand for critical care, hospitals often experience a shortage of beds and experienced clinical staff, particularly for ICUs. Thus, the Singapore Health Services (SingHealth) is working on optimising the smart ICU's capacity. They can detect patient deterioration early, allowing treatments to be given even in non-ICU wards without the necessity of moving the patient to the ICU.