Google's AI can detect tuberculosis just by analyzing cough sound
Google has announced a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing India's healthcare infrastructure, during its Google for India event earlier today. The tech giant is introducing artificial intelligence (AI)-powered screenings for cancer and tuberculosis (TB), in collaboration with local hospitals. This move is part of Google's broader strategy to make health solutions accessible across diverse settings and languages, as stated by Bakul Patel, Senior Director of Global Digital Health and Regulatory Strategy at Google.
Health Acoustic Representations project provides the foundation for this technology
Google's Health Acoustic Representations (HeAR) project provides the foundation for this technology. HeAR is a sophisticated AI model trained on millions of audio samples, including coughs, breaths, and speech patterns. This model can analyze audio recordings from a user's smartphone and potentially detect subtle acoustic cues indicative of TB. Google has also joined forces with Apollo Radiology International to conduct three million AI-powered screenings across India, at no cost.
Google to offer free AI-powered screenings
TB remains a significant public health concern in India. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment and preventing the spread of the disease. This new AI-powered tool holds immense potential for expanding TB screening efforts. By utilizing smartphones, readily available in many Indian households, the program makes screening accessible and convenient. Google has committed to providing these potentially life-saving screenings free of cost for the next 10 years.
Google supports digitalization of health records
Google is also backing the digitalization of health records to ensure easy access for both doctors and patients. To implement this feature, the company has partnered with the Government of India. "By fostering interoperability and connecting stakeholders, we aim to reduce fragmentation and increase transparency," said Kiran Gopal Viska, Mission Director of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). Google has also partnered with Apollo to develop over 800 health knowledge panels on search, available in both English and Hindi languages.
