New Delhi: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Tuesday said that while new technologies like artificial intelligence have made access to medical information easier, the learning process must remain rooted in strong fundamentals and hands-on clinical exposure.
The minister emphasised that once a sound clinical foundation is established, AI can serve as a valuable enabler, assistant and facilitator.
“However, if one turns to AI before grasping the essence of medical concepts, there is a risk of missing the basic learning process essential for becoming a competent clinician, who could be capable of serving society even in the absence of any instruments, gadgets, investigations or even drugs,” Singh said.
The minister made the comments at the release of the second edition of the postgraduate textbook, “Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition”, edited by Anupam Sibal, group medical director at the Apollo Hospitals Group, and Sarath Gopalan, consultant paediatric gastroenterologist and hepatologist at Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital in Delhi.
Singh also highlighted the need to continuously upgrade medical education systems in line with emerging challenges, including technology integration and the growing complexity of diseases.
“Young medical professionals should be encouraged to build strong basics and gradually develop specialisation in chosen areas,” said the minister.
