Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], April 13 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Sunday said that the state government has always supported emerging technologies in the medical sector and added that the time has now come to integrate artificial intelligence into healthcare.

'Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel stated that Gujarat has consistently supported emerging technologies in the medical sector. Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced robotic surgery in Gujarat as early as 2013. Now is the time to integrate artificial intelligence into the healthcare sector. The state government has paved the way for the integration of artificial intelligence at various stages within Gujarat's healthcare sector,' as per a Gujarat Chief Minister's office release.

Narendra Modi has made efforts to ensure excellent and affordable healthcare for every citizen of the country through futuristic technology while simultaneously strengthening advanced infrastructure and the essential manpower for modern medical science. As a result, technologies such as AI and robotics have gained significant momentum in the country's healthcare sector.

'Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel virtually inaugurated the 'Center of Excellence in Robotic Gastrointestinal Surgery' at Kaizen Hospital in Ahmedabad. Marking a significant milestone, Kaizen Hospital becoming the first in the country to perform 100 robotic gastrointestinal (GI) surgeries, the Chief Minister delivered an inspiring address to commemorate the achievement,' the release read.

In this context, Chief Minister Patel noted that building on the foundation laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government has installed the CyberKnife - a Robotic Linear Accelerator Machine - for advanced radiotherapy treatment at the cancer hospital, at an investment of Rs95 crore. Robotic surgery has also been initiated at U.N. Mehta Hospital since 2022. Over the past decade, under the Prime Minister's leadership, sustained efforts have been made to develop a highly skilled workforce in the medical sector.

'Chief Minister highlighted the rapidly growing use of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare. With the advent of AI and telemedicine, quality medical services are now reaching even the most remote regions. AI has made it easier to access patients' medical histories and provides clinical decision support to doctors, significantly reducing treatment time. In emergency situations, it also enables swift and effective care,' the release read.

Chief Minister Patel added that the state government has launched such an AI-based digital ICU at UN Mehta Hospital. Whenever the Prime Minister engages in dialogue with AI leaders, he places special emphasis on the use of AI in the health sector. When he meets startup innovators, he inspires them to bring practical solutions to challenges in the healthcare sector. An AI Center of Excellence has been set up at GIFT City, where we also encourage health-sector startups.

'Chief Minister Patel stated that the number of medical colleges in the country has increased from 319 to 703. The number of medical seats in MBBS and post-graduate courses has grown from 85,000 to 1.68 lakh. There are currently 22 AIIMS functioning in the country,' the release read.

Explaining the importance of a healthy lifestyle, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said, 'Prevention is better than cure.' We should live in such a way that we do not fall ill, going back to basics--back to nature. He also explained to everyone the nine resolutions given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the well-being of the human body, the environment, and the Earth: Save Water, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, Cleanliness, Vocal for Local, Desh Darshan, Natural Farming, Healthy Lifestyle, Yoga and Sports, and Support for the Poor.'

'Chief Minister Patel congratulated Dr Sanjiv Haribhakti and the entire team of Kaizen Hospital for becoming the first hospital in India to perform over 100 GI robotic surgeries,' the release read.

On this occasion, Amit Thakar, MLA; Harit Shukla, Principal Secretary of the Administrative Reforms and Training Division; Dr Sanjiv, senior doctor at Kaizen Hospital; Dr Mahesh Desai, renowned medical expert; and several citizens associated with the medical field were present. (ANI)