Robotics to Expand Beyond Surgery into Diagnostics and More: Jitendra Singh
Union Minister Jitendra Singh says robotics, AI, and nanoscience will revolutionize precision medicine and diagnostics across multiple medical specialties.
The landscape of healthcare is on the verge of a massive transformation as robotics moves past the operating theatre to become a cornerstone of medical diagnostics, treatment, and therapy. Addressing the inaugural session of the International Conference of the Society of Robotic Surgery, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, emphasized that robotics is no longer just a surgical tool but a multi-faceted technology destined to reshape various medical branches.
A New Era of Precision Medicine
Minister Singh highlighted that the convergence of robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and nanoscience is creating a robust ecosystem for precision health delivery. This evolution will allow for "precision medicine," where treatments are meticulously tailored to the individual rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
According to the Minister, medical decision-making will increasingly incorporate a patient's unique variables, such as:
- Genetic profiles
- Environmental conditions
- Lifestyle choices
- Dietary patterns
He predicted that just as AI has permeated various sectors, we will soon witness the rise of specialized fields like robotic endocrinology and robotic cardiology.
The Power of Tele-Robotics and Remote Care
One of the most groundbreaking aspects discussed was the potential of tele-robotics to bridge the healthcare gap in a geographically vast nation like India. Singh shared a remarkable personal anecdote to illustrate the power of remote medical technology, noting that he had performed a robotic ultrasonography on an individual located 10,000 kilometres away in Antarctica.
“Instead of the patient being referred to the doctor, it will be the doctor being referred to the patient,” Singh remarked, underscoring how tele-robotics can bring specialist expertise to the most remote corners of the country, reducing the need for arduous travel for advanced care.
Genomics and Nanomedicine: The Future Frontiers
The Minister also touched upon the Genome India Programme, revealing that 10,000 individuals have already been sequenced. He expressed a vision where India could eventually move toward gene sequencing for every newborn, a monumental task that would require the seamless integration of AI and robotics to manage a population of 1.4 billion.
Furthermore, the potential of nanomedicine was highlighted as a solution to current drug delivery limitations. Singh pointed to ongoing efforts in developing oral insulin, noting that advances at the nano level could revolutionize how medicine is administered to the human body.
Addressing India's Shifting Disease Profile
As India faces a unique dual burden—where infectious diseases coexist with metabolic and lifestyle-related disorders—the Minister noted that diseases typically seen in older populations are increasingly affecting younger people. He concluded that the scale and diversity of India make the adoption of AI, robotics, and tele-robotics not just an advantage, but a necessity for delivering precise and personalized healthcare to all.