AI-assisted eye screening begins at GGH in Guntur
As part of its efforts to increase the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare services, the Department of Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare
As part of its efforts to increase the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare services, the Department of Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare on Wednesday launched AI-assisted screening for diabetic retinopathy at the Government General Hospital (GGH), Guntur, under a pilot project that will later be extended to two other government hospitals in the State. In a statement issued on Wednesday (June 10), Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav said similar services would be launched at the Regional Hospital, Kurnool, on June 13 and at the Government Regional Eye Hospital, Visakhapatnam, on June 16.
The Minister said AI would analyse retinal images captured through fundus cameras and determine the severity of the condition. It would also indicate whether a patient needs to consult a specialist and how urgently further treatment is required. For the screening process, retinal images will be uploaded to the Madhunetra app, developed by Wadhwani AI Foundation, which is providing AI-based services in 45 government medical colleges across the country.
The pilot project will run for three months, during which around 9,000 people will be screened, Mr. Yadav said. At present, retinal specialists assess patients and provide treatment only in facilities where fundus cameras are available. Without retinal images generated through fundus cameras, diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy cannot proceed. According to a press release issued by the department, fundus cameras are currently available only in facilities where retinal specialists are posted.
With the introduction of AI-based screening, an optometrist providing primary care, along with a fundus camera, will be sufficient to conduct the screening. As a result, these services can be provided even in the absence of specialist doctors.
The BriefWire