Addressing the Annual Conference of Association of Physicians of India (APICON-24) in New Delhi, Dr Ajay Kumar, renowned Urologist & Past President of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) dispelled fears of artificial intelligence (AI) displacing doctors, instead highlighting its potential for collaboration.

Dr Kumar envisions a future "Trimurti" of medicine – a three-pronged approach combining Allopathy, Ayurveda, and other complementary practices, all guided by AI. He believes that “Trimurti” (Allopathy, Ayush & CAM) shall be healer of mind, soul, and body under the influence of AI, illuminating the potential for a harmonious coalescence of tradition and innovation in healthcare. CAM stands for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. He called it Vision 2047.  

He emphasised that AI is not a threat, but a powerful tool poised to revolutionise healthcare delivery, suggesting the doctors to embrace AI. He also shed light on the imminent transformation of the healthcare landscape with the inevitable integration of AI.

According to Dr Kumar, AI is poised to reinforce healthcare delivery worldwide, with its influence extending to disease detection, diagnosis, robotics in surgery, drug discovery, remote patient monitoring, and personalized treatment approaches.

Dr Rajesh Upadhyay, Organising Secretary of APICON-2024, said, “Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming every aspect of healthcare, from diagnostics to treatment. At APICON, we have seen how physicians from across the country have deliberated upon how AI can empower them. Imagine leveraging AI for faster, more accurate diagnoses, or even personalising treatment plans for individual patients. This conference has brought together the medical minds who have unravelled the potential of AI and how it has revolutionized patient care and equipped doctors with the tools to excel in this new era of medicine.”

In a bold declaration, Dr Kumar emphasised, "AI may not replace doctors, but doctors who do not know how to use AI will be replaced for sure."