Use Artificial Intelligence to Improve Patient Services, Says Mangal Prabhat Lodha
KEM Hospital marks 100 years; HMIS to be implemented at full scale
Emphasising the need for technology-driven healthcare, Maharashtra Minister for Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Co-Guardian Minister of Mumbai Suburban District, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, on Thursday called for the extensive use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance patient convenience and hospital services.
He was speaking at the **centenary celebrations of **Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College and King Edward Memorial Hospital, held on January 22, 2026, where he interacted with doctors, students, and hospital staff.
Mr. Lodha directed hospital authorities to expand patient-friendly facilities while integrating AI-based, technology-enabled solutions. He also stressed the importance of creating awareness among patients about Central and State government healthcare schemes, ensuring that beneficiaries are able to access welfare programmes seamlessly.
AI, Digital Systems, and Patient-Centric Care
The minister suggested setting up a dedicated communication centre to enable medical students to interact with leading experts from across the country, thereby expanding learning opportunities beyond classrooms. Such a centre, he said, would inspire students with ambitious goals in the medical profession and serve as a national knowledge bridge.
Highlighting patient support systems, Mr. Lodha underlined the role of Citizen Facilitation Centres to guide patients and their relatives regarding medical treatment, seating arrangements, and hospital processes. He further recommended leveraging Artificial Intelligence to provide real-time information on government health schemes, urging a dedicated institutional team to take the lead in developing such systems.
He also advised organising personality development programmes and sports activities for doctors and healthcare workers to promote holistic well-being among medical professionals.
HMIS to Be Fully Operational Soon
Speaking at the event, Sharad Ughade, Deputy Commissioner (Public Health), stated that digital healthcare initiatives are already being implemented effectively at KEM Hospital. He announced that the Hospital Management Information System (HMIS) would soon be rolled out at full operational capacity, significantly improving efficiency, patient data management, and service delivery.
Capacity Expansion and Future Infrastructure
KEM Hospital currently has a bed capacity of 2,000 and handles around 6,000 outpatients daily, supported by doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff. Sangeeta Rawat, Dean of KEM Hospital, informed that a new ‘Service Tower’ is being developed to provide multiple diagnostic services under one roof, enhancing patient convenience.
She also announced that a new hostel with accommodation for 1,200 medical students would soon become operational, strengthening academic infrastructure.
The centenary event was attended by several dignitaries, including Kalidas Kolambkar, Shailesh Mohite, and senior civic and health officials.
As KEM Hospital enters its second century, the renewed focus on AI, digital systems, and patient-first governance is expected to redefine public healthcare delivery in Mumbai.