Leveraging Augmented Intelligence: Kokilaben Hospital’s Data-Driven Shift in Diagnostics
By Arunima Rajan
In an exclusive conversation with Arunima Rajan, Dr. Santosh Shetty, CEO and Executive Director of Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, outlines how AI-driven automation, digital innovation, and personalised medicine are set to redefine India's diagnostic landscape—bridging gaps, enhancing care, and paving the way for a more connected, precision-focused future.
When you look ahead to the next decade in India’s diagnostic landscape, what emerging opportunities excite you the most, and how is Kokilaben hospital positioning itself to seize them?
I believe there will be an increasing focus on automation and technology in diagnostics, with artificial intelligence (AI) playing a significant role. I refer to it as augmented intelligence because it combines human expertise with AI-driven insights. In the coming years, a substantial part of diagnostic reporting will be enhanced by AI, allowing technology to efficiently analyse data and highlight abnormalities for doctors to review.
For example, in radiology or MRI scans, AI-driven machines will help pinpoint specific areas of concern, enabling doctors to report findings more accurately and efficiently. The goal is to make the diagnostic process faster, more precise, and accessible across different locations.
As automation and AI become more integrated into healthcare, professionals sitting in distant locations will be able to interpret diagnostic data with greater accuracy and speed. This will bridge the gap between urban and rural healthcare by enabling remote diagnosis and reducing dependency on physical infrastructure.
Dr. Santosh Shetty,
CEO and Executive Director, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
With innovations like AI, machine learning, and IoT rapidly reshaping healthcare, how are these technologies influencing your approach to diagnostics and patient care?
The primary objective of incorporating AI, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) in healthcare is to enhance patient safety and improve the overall quality of care. These technologies enable predictive diagnostics, meaning we can anticipate potential health risks before they become severe and intervene early.
For instance, IoT allows real-time monitoring of patient vitals using connected devices, which helps doctors detect any irregularities immediately. Machine learning algorithms analyse vast amounts of patient data to identify patterns and predict the likelihood of diseases. This approach allows for timely interventions, reducing hospital admissions and improving patient outcomes. At Kokilaben hospital, we are actively integrating these technologies to streamline diagnostic processes and offer more precise and effective patient care.
As personalised and precision medicine gains ground, how is Kokilaben Hospital adapting its diagnostic capabilities to create more individualised treatment strategies?
Precision medicine is the future of healthcare, where treatments and therapies are tailored to an individual’s specific genetic and medical profile. We are already witnessing this in oncology, where therapies are customised based on the tumour type and genetic makeup of the patient.
For example, depending on the type of tumour and genetic mutations, a specific chemotherapy drug may be more effective for one patient, while another may respond better to radiotherapy. Some patients might require a combination therapy approach. To facilitate such personalised treatment, we have invested in DNA sequencing technology.
Kokilaben Hospital is one of the few hospitals equipped with a DNA sequencer, allowing us to analyse genetic profiles, identify mutations, and define the most suitable treatment plans for patients. This capability is particularly crucial in cancer treatment, where targeted therapies based on genetic data can significantly improve patient outcomes.
Policy shifts and evolving government regulations can redefine industry dynamics. How are these changes shaping your strategic roadmap for expanding diagnostic services across India?
One of the key initiatives introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the Digital Health Mission, which was launched approximately three years ago. This initiative aims to create a unified digital health infrastructure across India, where each patient is assigned a unique digital health ID, similar to an Aadhaar ID.
Previously, patients had to carry physical files and test reports from one doctor to another. With the implementation of this digital health system, all relevant medical records will be stored centrally and made accessible across healthcare providers.
Kokilaben Hospital is actively working on integrating its systems with this national framework. Our goal is to be part of this network, ensuring seamless access to patient data. This will reduce the need for redundant tests, improve diagnostic accuracy, and enhance patient safety by providing healthcare providers with real-time access to medical histories.
Innovation often thrives on collaboration. Can you share any examples of cross-sector partnerships or creative alliances that are enhancing diagnostic accuracy and efficiency at Kokilaben?
At Kokilaben Hospital, we are leveraging technology to transfer diagnostic images across all our centres, whether they are radiology scans or histopathology slides. This ensures that even patients in peripheral centres have access to the expertise of highly specialised doctors based in metropolitan cities.
For instance, a radiologist or pathologist sitting in our main centre can review and report cases from remote locations, ensuring uniform standards of diagnosis. This technological integration has significantly improved diagnostic accuracy, allowing for quicker and more precise treatment planning.
Additionally, we are investing in total lab automation, which minimises human intervention and enhances efficiency. We have also introduced digital platforms that enable real-time sharing of diagnostic images between doctors and with patients, fostering better collaboration and decision-making.
In terms of future investments—whether in infrastructure, technology, or workforce training—which areas within the diagnostic sector do you find most compelling, and why?
Radiology and laboratory diagnostics are two key areas where technology is set to play a transformative role.
Currently, some diagnostic centres have fully automated the reporting of basic tests like X-rays using AI. We anticipate that similar automation will soon extend to other areas, such as laboratory testing and advanced imaging, making diagnostics faster and more precise.
Kokilaben Hospital is focusing on enhancing its radiology and laboratory capabilities by investing in cutting-edge diagnostic tools, workforce training, and AI-driven technologies that streamline the diagnostic process.
Big data and advanced analytics are hot topics in healthcare today. How is Kokilaben Hospital leveraging these tools to refine diagnostic processes, and what measures ensure patient data remains secure?
Our approach involves capturing and storing diagnostic data in a structured format. This allows us to retrieve and analyse historical data, build predictive models, and enhance diagnostic accuracy over time.One of the biggest challenges in healthcare today is ensuring data privacy and security. With cyber threats on the rise, we have implemented robust security measures, including firewalls and restricted access protocols. Additionally, we conduct regular staff training sessions to prevent phishing attacks and unauthorised access to patient data.
Access to quality diagnostics is crucial, especially for underserved and rural communities. What strategies are being explored to make these advanced services both accessible and affordable?
By leveraging technology, we can transmit diagnostic data across geographies, ensuring that expertise from urban centres is accessible to rural communities. For instance, a specialist sitting in a metropolitan city can review and report test results for patients in remote areas. On the affordability front, our focus is on ensuring that innovation does not lead to increased healthcare costs. We collaborate with technology providers to make advanced diagnostic tools as cost-effective as possible so that a larger population can benefit from them.
Telemedicine and remote diagnostic services are on the rise. How do you envision their integration changing the traditional model of patient care at your hospital?
Telemedicine has seen exponential growth, especially after COVID-19, which was a turning point for digital healthcare adoption. More patients and doctors are now comfortable using virtual consultations for healthcare access. Going forward, hospitals will primarily focus on high-end surgeries and critical care, while routine healthcare services will be distributed across smaller diagnostic centres, home care, and telemedicine platforms. This shift will decentralise healthcare delivery, making it more accessible and convenient for patients.
With global competition intensifying, how is Kokilaben Hospital innovating to maintain a competitive edge in diagnostics on both a national and international scale?
As an institution, we believe in being early adopters of cutting-edge technology. Whether in diagnostics or treatment, Kokilaben Hospital has always been at the forefront of innovation.
For example, we were the first in Asia to install the Edge Radiation Therapy system for cancer treatment. We also introduced the first digital PET-CT scanner in Western India and were among the pioneers in robotic-assisted surgeries.
Our commitment to continuous investment in advanced diagnostic technologies ensures that we remain a leader in the healthcare space, both nationally and globally.
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