AI cuts discharge time for patients from Manipal Hospitals to 1 hr, sharpens cancer detection, brain mapping

Dr Sudarshan Ballal, Chairman of Manipal Hospitals Group

If it was pain as the reason to be admitted to a hospital, getting discharged was another pain, thanks to the grueling formalities. All this is over now, as artificial intelligence (AI) comes into play.

Manipal Hospitals has cut down the discharge time to just one hour from four to eight hours earlier through AI integration across various operational areas such as patient appointments, pharmacy processes, and discharge paperwork.

"AI has certainly brought in a lot of efficiency. What used to take four to eight hours to discharge a patient, now takes just an hour," said Dr Sudarshan Ballal, chairman of Manipal Hospitals, explaining how AI has streamlined the administrative processes, reducing wait times, and allowing hospital staff to focus on more critical tasks.

Dr Ballal was joined by Geetha Manjunath, founder and chief executive of Niramai, and Laina Emmanuel, co-founder and chief executive of Brainsight AI, to discuss the broader impact of AI in healthcare at Moneycontrol Global AI Conclave in Bengaluru. They shared instances from their own experiences, highlighting the growing role of AI in transforming medical care.

Dr Ballal emphasised how AI has improved telemedicine, remote monitoring, and imaging, which have seen a dramatic growth since the pandemic. "One of the biggest changes I see is telemedicine and remote monitoring," he noted, highlighting how AI has made it easier for patients to access medical care from anywhere.

In radiology, AI technologies are increasingly proficient at analysing medical images. "Soon, we may not need radiologists, or at least not those who are not trained in AI," Dr Ballal suggested, though he quickly clarified that radiologists who can integrate AI into their work will remain indispensable. "It's a blanket statement," he added, underscoring the balance between technology and professional expertise.

While AI’s benefits are undeniable, Dr Ballal stressed that the technology should complement, not replace, human expertise. "We still need the human element in healthcare." He cited a study where AI outperformed doctors in differential diagnosis when used without human bias. However, he stressed that the real promise of the technology lies in its ability to work alongside healthcare professionals, enhancing their capabilities, rather than replacing them.

Integration challenges

Dr Ballal shared insights into the challenges of integrating AI across Manipal Hospitals' expanding network. In the last two to three years, the chain has added nearly 30 hospitals across India, each with varying levels of technological sophistication. "Integration has been one of the biggest issues," he explained, noting the challenge of accessing patient data seamlessly, particularly when patients come from hospitals outside the Manipal chain.

"For instance, if I see a patient from Calcutta, I can easily access their medical records. But if they come from a hospital outside our chain, I would have to rely on the patient providing the records," he said. This can lead to redundant tests or missed information, making the process inefficient. Dr Ballal stressed that integration should not only focus on single hospital chains but should be a national effort across all healthcare providers. "Patients should not suffer because systems aren't integrated," he concluded, calling for nationwide interoperability.

AI to bridge healthcare divide 

Geetha Manjunath shared insights on how AI is reshaping early cancer detection, particularly in underserved areas. Niramai’s AI-driven technology uses thermal sensors to detect breast cancer with high sensitivity and minimal radiation exposure. "It's extremely accurate and sensitive, with a false-positive rate of less than 10 percent," she said.

Geetha Manjunath, founder, CEO and CTO of Niramai Health Analytix

This technology is especially impactful in rural India, where access to expensive diagnostic equipment is limited. Niramai’s system simplifies screenings with colour-coded results, making it easier for local health workers to interpret. Manjunath’s technology has impacted over 250,000 women in rural India, uncovering three times more cases than traditional methods.

"AI can bridge the healthcare divide in India today," she said, emphasising how the technology makes screenings accessible in regions where resources are scarce.

Impact in neuroscience

Emmanuel from Brainsight AI discussed how AI has been transforming neurology, particularly in brain mapping. Brainsight AI’s technology helps doctors create advanced brain maps that provide detailed insights into neural connections which are crucial in complex neurosurgeries.

Laina Emmanuel, co-founder and CEO, Brainsight AI

"AI has a huge role to play in diagnosing psychiatric disorders, detecting early signs of dementia, and performing safer neurosurgeries," Emmanuel explained. Through brain mapping, doctors can better understand how different parts of the brain interact, enabling them to approach surgeries with greater precision and confidence.

When asked if AI could replace neurosurgeons, the founder clarified, "We don’t replace doctors. We enhance their creativity." AI does not replace the professional’s judgment but empowers them to solve medical challenges more effectively, she said.