AI-Powered Healthcare Will Soon Put a Doctor in Every Pocket: Say Google Leaders
In a bold vision for the future of global healthcare, Google Vice President Chandu Thota and Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Michael HD Howell have predicted that smartphones equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) will soon match the capabilities of a doctor — especially in terms of initial diagnosis and medical guidance.
The two senior Google executives were speaking at an International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, hosted at Yashoda Hospital, Hitech City, Hyderabad. In an exclusive interaction with Eenadu-ETV, they shared insights into how AI will revolutionize healthcare delivery across the globe, especially in underserved and rural areas.
Highlights from the Interaction:
- AI in Every Medical Department:
“From disease detection and diagnosis to treatment planning and drug discovery, AI is playing an increasingly critical role,” said Dr. Howell. “It can analyze vast datasets, identify patterns, and generate actionable insights in a fraction of the time it takes humans.” - Affordable, Remote Care:
AI will not only make healthcare smarter but also more accessible and affordable, especially in rural regions. “Thanks to AI, even people in remote villages will soon have access to basic medical services via their smartphones,” said Chandu Thota. “Diagnosis, consultations, and even treatment recommendations will become available at the fingertips.” - Google’s AI in Action:
Google’s Gemini AI platform currently offers 72 specialized models dedicated to improving the quality of healthcare. These models are designed to assist in everything from disease prediction to treatment recommendations — and they can be accessed by anyone with a smartphone. - Life-Saving Potential:
AI has the potential to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, especially in underdeveloped countries. Dr. Howell explained that AI can interpret ultrasound scans, assess maternal health through lab reports, and issue early warnings to prevent complications. - Prevention is the Future:
One of AI’s strongest suits is predictive healthcare. It can forecast risks for lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and cancer, allowing patients to take early preventive action. - Doctors and AI: A Necessary Alliance:
While AI is not a replacement for human doctors, it is becoming a vital tool in medical practice. “Doctors who do not adapt to AI technologies,” Howell emphasized, “may find themselves left behind.”
