Interviews

Digitization: AI is changing the healthcare sector, here’s how

CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interview with Dr Mukesh Batra, Padma Shri Recipient, Founder and Chairman, Dr Batra’s Healthcare.

  1. What are the top homeopathy medical innovations and technological innovations used by Dr. Batra’s®?

Dr. Batra’s® has always been at the forefront of innovation and technology.  Way back in 1982 when our founder chairman padma shri recipient Dr. Mukesh Batra opened his first owned clinic in Mumbai, he developed the first electronic history record in India and perhaps the world.  In 1982, Dr. Batra’s® set up the world’s first fully computerized homeopathy clinic.  Till today all our, over 200 clinics in 5 countries are 24×7 live networked.  Patients from one clinic can seamlessly visit any clinic throughout the world and get treated. Digitalizing homeopathic healthcare has allowed us to increase, reach and scale.  Even at the peak of COVID our doctors were able to treat over a thousand patients per day through teleconsultations.  As a matter of fact, we have recently set up a virtual clinic that answers basic patient queries through BOTS and has live Doctor Consultations from one end of the world to the other.  Dr. Batra’s®  launched a Cyber Clinic model way back in the early 90s and was in the Limca book of world records for having treated the highest number of patients in a year through the internet (4.75 lac).

To increase patient compliance, Dr Batra’s® introduced blister pack medicines in homeopathy in the early 80s.

Dr Batra’s® has used technology and innovation in the following three ways:

  • Diagnosis: We use video microscopes that magnify the hair and scalp 200 times to get a better diagnosis of the over 45 thousand hair loss patients that we treat every month. Similarly, we use a computerized pulmonary function test to diagnose cases of respiratory ailments.  We use allergy tests from the UK to determine common allergies in allergy patients.  We have also used genetic analysis to determine the possibility of chronic and inherent ailments.
  • Treatments: We use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to find the right treatments for all our patients. In homeopathy, there are over 98 thousand permutations and combinations for a single patient.  Our software not only helps to select the right medicine but also helps to select remedies for future patients with similar ailments.
  • Adjunct Therapy: At Dr. Batra’s® we use innovation and technology to combine homeopathy with the latest technological advances in the world such as bio-engineered hair treatment from France and medical hydra facials from South Korea to give visible results quickly.

 

2. How has it reshaped the doctor-patient experience for the better?

The doctor-patient experience has greatly improved as a result of technological advancements.

Technology has also made the doctor-patient experience more efficient. Electronic health records (EHRs) have made it easier for doctors to access patient information quickly and efficiently. This has improved the quality of care that patients receive and reduced the likelihood of medical errors.

Remote monitoring technology allows doctors to keep an eye on their patient’s health from a distance. Patients can now communicate with their doctors through our WhatsApp and video consultations. This has made it easier for patients to get in touch with their doctors and get their questions answered without having to visit the clinic in person.

 

3. With the rise of usage in health gadgets like smartwatches amongst the masses, how technology helps in getting the best outcome?

Technology has had a significant impact on healthcare, and it has helped to improve outcomes in several ways. Here are some ways that technology has helped to improve healthcare outcomes:

  • Medical Imaging: Technology has revolutionized medical imaging by providing doctors with better and more detailed images of the human body. This has enabled doctors to diagnose and treat illnesses more accurately and quickly.
  • Electronic Health Records (EHRs): EHRs have replaced paper records and have made it easier for doctors to access patient information, such as medication lists, test results, and medical history. EHRs can reduce medical errors and improve patient safety by providing doctors with complete and accurate patient information.
  • Telemedicine: Telemedicine uses technology to provide remote medical consultations and treatment. This can also improve access to healthcare for people who live in remote areas or have mobility issues.
  • Health Monitoring Devices: Wearable technology, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, can monitor vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. These devices can help doctors detect health issues before they become serious and can provide patients with real-time feedback on their health.
  • Precision Medicine: Advances in genomics and personalized medicine have allowed doctors to tailor treatments to an individual’s unique genetic makeup. This has improved outcomes for patients with diseases like cancer and has led to the development of new drugs and treatments.

Overall, technology has had a significant impact on healthcare outcomes by providing doctors with better diagnostic tools, improving access to healthcare, reducing medical errors, and tailoring treatments to individual patients.

 

4. What are the current tech trends and challenges within the healthcare systems? 

The challenges that the healthcare system still faces are:

  • Data security – The biggest challenge is data security. So hacking and misuse of data for commercial reasons.
  • Lack of skill – Doctors and healthcare workers often lack the skill to deal with technology. Senior experienced doctors are not comfortable moving from pen to keyboard.  Training of doctors and healthcare workers to overcome their lack of skill.
  • Data management: Inaccurate data and data mining
  • Lack of standardization – Many healthcare providers and systems continue to use customized EHR systems that really are hard to translate and share. The way forward is to move to ICD 11 for the industry.
  • Lack of infrastructure: In a country like India where power outages are still common, breakdowns in connectivity are often a challenge.

Current Tech Trends

Digitization has influenced every industry, and post-pandemic, it has become the most significant part of our life. The trends that emerged in the healthcare industry are data sharing, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) technologies, and Quality Assurance Testing in Healthcare, which has been espoused all over India. At Dr. Batra’s®, we have employed AI technology for 40 years to preserve the data of patients. This has streamlined our services to help an individual in a better way and plan the homeopathy course from their desired city.

 

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