CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: AIIMS Bhopal Advances Digital Healthcare Under Leadership of Executive Director Ajay Singh

Under the visionary leadership of Executive Director Ajay Singh, AIIMS Bhopal has made significant progress in digital healthcare over the past two years. The Government of India’s flagship initiative, Digital India, aims to transform the nation into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. This initiative is focused on enhancing citizens’ lives through digital technologies, expanding the digital economy, increasing investment and employment opportunities, and fostering technological capabilities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has defined the Digital India movement as a people-driven initiative and has recognized the efforts of dedicated individuals in strengthening it.

AIIMS Bhopal Receives DST Research Grant for Digital Oncology Innovation

As part of its commitment to digital healthcare, AIIMS Bhopal has been awarded a research grant of ₹20 lakh under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. The grant will fund research in Digital Oncology (Cancer Care).

This research project will be led by:

Principal Investigator: Dr. Saikat Das, Department of Radiation Oncology, AIIMS Bhopal

Co-Principal Investigator: Prof. Amit Agarwal

Collaborating Institution: IIT Indore’s Innovation and Incubation Center (IITI Drishti CPS Foundation)

The grant was awarded during a prestigious ceremony in New Delhi, attended by:

Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Science & Technology

Shankar Lalwani, Member of Parliament, Indore

Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, DST

Dr. Suhas S. Joshi, Director, IIT Indore

Project Focus: Enhancing Cancer Patients’ Quality of Life Through Digital Solutions

Cancer remains a major public health challenge in India, with a steadily rising patient count. AIIMS Bhopal’s Cancer Treatment Center (CTC) sees over 6,000 new cancer patients annually, with 40-50% suffering from head and neck cancers, followed by breast and gynecological cancers.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a multidimensional concept, encompassing:

Physical health

Mental well-being

Degree of independence

Social relationships

Environmental factors

This project will focus on developing a digital interface to assess and improve the quality of life for cancer patients. Unlike the Western models, India’s cancer mortality-to-incidence ratio is higher, emphasizing the need for a customized indigenous quality-of-life assessment tool tailored to Indian epidemiological and socio-economic conditions.

AIIMS Bhopal’s Commitment to Digital Healthcare Innovation

Highlighting the project’s significance, Prof. Ajay Singh stated:

“This initiative marks a milestone in integrating digital solutions to enhance cancer care in India. The unique epidemiology and socio-economic conditions of Indian cancer patients necessitate an indigenous evaluation tool for quality of life. This project will bridge this gap and develop a more patient-centric approach to cancer treatment.”

While various tools exist for quality-of-life assessment, a specialized framework adapted to the Indian context is urgently required. This project represents a pioneering effort in digital healthcare, empowering India to become self-reliant in health tech solutions while significantly improving the lives of cancer patients.

AIIMS Bhopal remains at the forefront of digital healthcare innovation, continuously working toward enhancing patient care outcomes through groundbreaking medical research and technology-driven solutions.

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