Healing smarter AI enters the ward

In the Al-enabled clinic of tomorrow, precision meets compassion. From predictive pumps to surgical robotics, healthcare is being reimagined not by replacing doctors, but by upgrading care with data, design, and a digital dose of foresight

- Preeti Anand

In a rapidly evolving digital healthscape, Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn't just a tech buzzword, it's becoming a quiet partner in clinics, labs, and operating rooms. In this wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Sanjay Kalra, renowned endocrinologist, Bharti Hospital, Karnal, reflects on how AI is shifting the way medicine is taught, practiced, and trusted. From early screening to robotic surgery, he breaks down what works, what worries, and why empathy still trumps all.

Understanding AI-powered healthcare

He starts by emphasizing the extent to which AI has currently become integrated with the tapestry of modern existence, in the field of medicine as well. He explains that our very understanding of intelligence has evolved: “Earlier, we thought intelligence was unique to humans because we could create tools. But now, we realize even animals like gorillas and elephants use tools, so our definition has changed. We now know that true intelligence is also about recognizing when we need support, and that’s where artificial intelligence comes in.”

Al in healthcare does not simply mean automation of tasks, but improving the quality of care. Doctors, nurses, and paramedics do their best to provide the best results, but sometimes the workload and the complexities of the job can result in mistakes, either through omission or commission. He notes, “Al helps us learn, find reasons, improve decision-making, and ultimately raise the standard of care we provide.”

How Al is transforming disease diagnosis

You can already see a practical impact on disease detection and management with Al. He relates an interesting example in the care of diabetes.

Diabetic retinopathy screening