Integration of HMIS, other HIS portals sought

India's Union Health secretary Apurva Chandra has called for the integration of the country's Health Management Information System with other health information systems in the public sector. 

This is to "reduce the burden of work of health functionaries and to ensure that the data are uploaded timely and analysed carefully," he said. 

The call followed the release of this year's Health Dynamics of India, a document that serves as a source of information on manpower and infrastructure within the National Health Mission. 

University of Mumbai launches AI project targeting PCOS, women's cancer

The University of Mumbai seeks to develop AI models for the early detection of diseases in women. 

It was reported that the university has been reaching out to hospitals to form a network where it can tap patient case studies in building AI models. The AI, for example, could be utilised to gain a better understanding of polycystic ovary syndrome among Indian women.

AI models to support the diagnosis of breast cancer and cervical cancer are also being considered. 

Besides hospitals, the University of Mumbai also seeks partnerships with other higher education institutions; it has recently signed memoranda of understanding with Purdue University and Saint Louis University and is looking to onboard the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, which is currently working on a similar project. 

AI course for healthcare professionals launched

The International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad, one of India's leading institutes for AI research, has recently launched an online course on the basics of AI for healthcare professionals.

With over 200 enrollees, the 12-week course aims to equip learners with the required skills to understand, evaluate, and apply AI technologies in clinical settings. The AI for Medical Professionals course, developed in collaboration with the institute's IHub-Data and the National Academy of Medical Sciences, will also offer certification. 

Cytecare Hospitals digitises staff training

Cytecare Hospitals, a private surgical and cancer treatment centre in Bangalore, has partnered with MedLern to digitise healthcare staff training.

Through their partnership, Cytecare's training protocols offer updated learning resources and digital training workflows. 

The digitised training programme has also supported Cytecare's recent completion of the audit of the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers, which ensures the highest safety and quality standards of care for hospitals in India.