INDIA – The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has signed an agreement with Apollo Hospitals Group for collaborative research in the clinical application of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare technology.

The strategic partnership will build on the ongoing efforts of the Apollo Research and Innovations (ARI), a department of Apollo Hospitals, in spearheading medical research, innovation, health education, teaching and clinical deployment of AI.

In a release, Apollo Hospitals Group stated: “It is the first-of-its-kind formal collaboration between Asia’s largest integrated healthcare provider, and a globally renowned institution of technology, engineering and Computer Science.”

In addition, the collaboration will further accelerate the implementation of all aspects of digital health to transform health care delivery as well as contribute towards making India’s healthcare systems robust and self-reliant.

Prof. Krishnan Ganapathy, Director of Apollo Telemedicine at Apollo Hospitals, who is also a Distinguished Hon. Professor at IIT Kanpur, would be the principal coordinator for this joint collaboration,” Apollo Hospitals Group said.

The Indian multinational healthcare group underscored that the agreement is a formal recognition of the rapid convergence of healthcare and technology that is transforming the practice of medicine.

The signing ceremony was presided over by Prof. A.R. Harish, Dean of Research and development (R&D) at the IIT Kanpur and Prof. Krishnan Ganapathy, Director of Apollo Telemedicine.

In the presence of Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Director of IIT Kanpur, and Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Founder & Chairman of Apollo Hospitals Group as well as an esteemed delegation representing various government bodies

Speaking on the new partnership, Prof. Abhay Karandikar pointed out that IIT Kanpur has consistently invested in imparting and undertaking cutting-edge multi-disciplinary research in science, technology and engineering in association with industry and relevant institutions.

The Gangwal School of Medical Sciences and Technology that is coming up at IIT Kanpur is in line with IIT Kanpur’s endeavor to bring about a paradigm shift by merging medical research and technological innovations in the country,” the Director of IIT Kanpur disclosed.

On the other hand, Apollo Hospital Group has a robust presence across the healthcare ecosystem including two medical colleges, a medical school in the United Kingdom, and an Apollo University.

It also has 20 institutions providing advanced training in Nursing and Hospital Administration, Ph.D programmes and 625 DNB seats in specialities and super specialities.

From routine wellness & preventive health care to innovative life-saving treatments and diagnostic services, Apollo Hospitals has touched more than 120 million lives from over 120 countries, offering the best clinical outcomes.

Chairman of Apollo Hospitals Group Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, welcomed the scientific research deal with IIT Kanpur, commenting: “Apollo has been at the forefront of providing patients with access to the latest in medical technology.”

He underscored that Apollo Hospital Group’s experience and expertise will add value to the innovative research done at IIT Kanpur, noting that the group has been very active in developing the new generation of healthcare talent at its educational institutions.

The collaboration will provide teaching and research opportunities to those inside and outside the Apollo ecosystem,” Dr. Reddy added.

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