InnoHEALTH मैगज़ीन पॉडकास्ट के एक हालिया एपिसोड में सौम्या सिंह ने TrioTree Technologies के संस्थापक और सीईओ सुरजीत ठाकुर से बातचीत की। इस बातचीत में यह समझने का प्रयास किया गया कि कैसे तकनीक स्वास्थ्य सेवा में बदलाव ला रही है। खासकर भारत में, यह चर्चा स्वास्थ्य सेवा की पहुंच, डिजिटलीकरण और रोगी देखभाल में आ रही चुनौतियों और अवसरों पर केंद्रित थी।

भारत में स्वास्थ्य सेवा तकनीक की आवश्यकता

सुरजीत ठाकुर की स्वास्थ्य तकनीक में यात्रा उनकी तकनीक और स्वास्थ्य सेवा दोनों के प्रति गहरी रुचि से शुरू हुई। कंप्यूटर साइंस में पृष्ठभूमि रखने वाले सुरजीत पहले मैक्स हेल्थकेयर के आईटी विभाग में कार्यरत थे, फिर उन्होंने अमेरिकन हॉस्पिटल दुबई में काम किया। इन वर्षों के दौरान उन्होंने देखा कि भारत में स्वास्थ्य प्रणालियों का डिजिटलीकरण काफी पीछे है, खासकर इलेक्ट्रॉनिक मेडिकल रिकॉर्ड (EMR) प्रणाली की कमी बहुत बड़ी समस्या है।
वे समझते थे कि कागज़ी रिकॉर्ड के कारण कई गलतियाँ होती हैं, समय की बर्बादी होती है और मरीजों की देखभाल में देरी होती है। सुरजीत का मानना है कि तकनीक केवल प्रशासनिक कार्यों को स्वचालित करने के लिए नहीं बल्कि रोगी देखभाल की गुणवत्ता और मेडिकल जानकारी की पहुंच को बेहतर बनाने के लिए भी आवश्यक है।

स्वास्थ्य सेवा में बदलाव के प्रति प्रतिरोध को पार करना

सुरजीत के अनुसार, स्वास्थ्य सेवा में तकनीक को अपनाने में सबसे बड़ी चुनौती डॉक्टरों और नर्सों जैसे स्वास्थ्य कर्मियों का प्रतिरोध है। उनके लिए तकनीक एक अतिरिक्त बोझ की तरह महसूस होती है।
उन्होंने कहा, “डॉक्टर हमेशा स्वास्थ्य सेवा के केंद्र में रहेंगे, और यहीं से चुनौती शुरू होती है।” तकनीक को अपनाने के लिए जरूरी है कि स्वास्थ्य कर्मियों की मानसिकता बदली जाए। उन्हें यह समझाना होगा कि तकनीक उनकी मदद कर सकती है – जैसे मरीज की जानकारी को आसानी से खोजने में समय की बचत करना।
यह केवल आईटी का मामला नहीं है, बल्कि स्वास्थ्य सेवा का विषय है। यदि डॉक्टरों और नर्सों को सही तरीके से प्रशिक्षण दिया जाए और उन्हें यह दिखाया जाए कि तकनीक से मरीजों को बेहतर देखभाल मिल सकती है, तो परिवर्तन सरल हो सकता है।

भारत सरकार की भूमिका

भारत सरकार ने आयुष्मान भारत डिजिटल मिशन (ABDM) जैसी पहलों के माध्यम से स्वास्थ्य सेवा के डिजिटलीकरण की दिशा में कई कदम उठाए हैं। इस पहल का उद्देश्य इलेक्ट्रॉनिक हेल्थ रिकॉर्ड (EHR) को केंद्रीकृत करना है, जिससे सार्वजनिक और निजी दोनों क्षेत्रों के डॉक्टरों को मरीज की जानकारी तक आसान पहुंच मिल सके।
सुरजीत का मानना है कि भारत की विशाल जनसंख्या और विविधता इस प्रक्रिया को एक साथ चुनौती और अवसर दोनों बनाती है। “हमें सभी नागरिकों के EHR के लिए एक केंद्रीय भंडार सुनिश्चित करना होगा,” उन्होंने कहा। इससे सरकार को जनसंख्या की स्वास्थ्य प्रवृत्तियों की जानकारी मिल सकेगी, जिससे संसाधनों को बेहतर ढंग से वितरित किया जा सकेगा और पुरानी बीमारियों, मानसिक स्वास्थ्य और निवारक देखभाल जैसी समस्याओं से निपटा जा सकेगा।
हालांकि, इस प्रकार की प्रणाली को कार्यान्वित करने के लिए सार्वजनिक और निजी क्षेत्रों के बीच सहयोग और योजनाबद्ध कार्यान्वयन की आवश्यकता है, क्योंकि भारत में स्वास्थ्य सुविधाएं बहुत विविध हैं – बड़े निजी अस्पतालों से लेकर ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों के छोटे क्लीनिक तक।

डेटा सुरक्षा और गोपनीयता: मरीज की जानकारी की सुरक्षा

जैसे-जैसे स्वास्थ्य सेवाएं ऑनलाइन हो रही हैं और मरीजों के रिकॉर्ड डिजिटलीकृत हो रहे हैं, डेटा सुरक्षा और गोपनीयता अत्यंत महत्वपूर्ण हो गए हैं। सुरजीत ने बताया कि यह सुनिश्चित करना आवश्यक है कि मरीज की जानकारी तक केवल अधिकृत व्यक्तियों को ही पहुंच हो और इसे किसी भी अनधिकृत पहुँच से संरक्षित किया जाए।
भारत सरकार ने डेटा प्रोटेक्शन एंड प्राइवेसी (DPDP) एक्ट के ज़रिए इन मुद्दों को संबोधित किया है, जो कि डेटा की रक्षा में विफल रहने वाली संस्थाओं पर भारी जुर्माना लगाता है। सुरजीत ने यह भी साझा किया कि उनकी कंपनी में डेटा गोपनीयता एक संस्कृति का हिस्सा है।
“हम यह सुनिश्चित करते हैं कि मरीज का डेटा सुरक्षित रहे और केवल सही व्यक्ति को सही जानकारी मिले,” सुरजीत ने कहा। “यह केवल कानूनी अनिवार्यता नहीं है, बल्कि यह स्वास्थ्य सेवा प्रणाली में विश्वास बनाए रखने के लिए भी आवश्यक है।”

AI, क्लाउड कंप्यूटिंग और दूरस्थ देखभाल (Remote care) की संभावनाएँ

तकनीक के निरंतर विकास के साथ, कृत्रिम बुद्धिमत्ता (AI) और क्लाउड कंप्यूटिंग जैसे उपकरण स्वास्थ्य सेवा में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभा रहे हैं। सुरजीत ने टेलीमेडिसिन और दूरस्थ मरीज देखभाल के बढ़ते महत्व पर जोर दिया, खासकर भारत जैसे देश में, जहाँ ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों में कुशल स्वास्थ्य कर्मियों की कमी है।
टेलीमेडिसिन कोई नई चीज नहीं है, लेकिन हाल के वर्षों में, विशेषकर COVID-19 महामारी के बाद, इसकी स्वीकृति में तेज़ी आई है। डिजिटल उपकरणों की मदद से अब मरीज डॉक्टर से दूरस्थ रूप से परामर्श ले सकते हैं, जिससे यात्रा और प्रतीक्षा समय दोनों कम हो जाते हैं।
सुरजीत ने साझा किया कि कैसे Apple Watch जैसे वियरेबल डिवाइस का उपयोग मधुमेह जैसी बीमारियों की निगरानी के लिए किया जा रहा है। “मैं स्वयं एक डायबिटिक हूँ और Apple Watch का उपयोग अपने स्वास्थ्य संकेतकों को ट्रैक करने के लिए करता हूँ, और यह डेटा सीधे मेरे हेल्थ रिकॉर्ड से सिंक हो जाता है,” उन्होंने कहा। इस प्रकार की दूरस्थ निगरानी पारंपरिक अस्पतालों के बाहर निरंतर देखभाल को संभव बनाती है, जिससे बेहतर परिणाम और अस्पताल में कम भर्ती की आवश्यकता होती है।

भारत में स्वास्थ्य सेवा का भविष्य

आगे देखते हुए, सुरजीत को विश्वास है कि तकनीक भारत की स्वास्थ्य समस्याओं के समाधान में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभा सकती है। 1.4 अरब से अधिक की आबादी के साथ, सुलभ और किफायती स्वास्थ्य सेवा की आवश्यकता पहले से कहीं अधिक है।

हालाँकि तकनीक अकेले सभी समस्याओं का समाधान नहीं कर सकती, लेकिन यह निश्चित रूप से स्वास्थ्य प्रणाली की दक्षता बढ़ाने, लागत घटाने और स्वास्थ्य सेवा को अधिक समान बनाने में मदद कर सकती है।
सुरजीत का मानना है कि स्वास्थ्य प्रणालियों को अस्पताल-केंद्रित से मरीज-केंद्रित बनना होगा। “देखभाल को अस्पतालों से बाहर निकालकर मरीजों के हाथों में लाना होगा,” उन्होंने कहा। उन्होंने इस बात पर जोर दिया कि तकनीक का उपयोग व्यक्तियों को स्वयं की स्वास्थ्य देखभाल के लिए सशक्त बनाने में होना चाहिए।
उन्होंने यह भी कहा कि भारत के विविध स्वास्थ्य आवश्यकताओं और सीमित अवसंरचना के बीच की खाई को भरने के लिए तकनीक का कुशलता से उपयोग आवश्यक है। AI, दूरस्थ देखभाल और केंद्रीकृत EHR जैसे नवाचारों को अपनाकर भारत एक अधिक टिकाऊ स्वास्थ्य प्रणाली बना सकता है जो शहरों से लेकर गांवों तक सभी को लाभ पहुँचाए।

जागरूकता और सहयोग की आवश्यकता

सुरजीत ठाकुर के साथ बातचीत यह स्पष्ट करती है कि भले ही स्वास्थ्य तकनीक में कई चुनौतियाँ हैं, लेकिन सुधार के लिए अवसर भी उतने ही अधिक हैं। डेटा सुरक्षा को सुदृढ़ बनाने से लेकर टेलीमेडिसिन और AI के माध्यम से स्वास्थ्य सेवा को अधिक सुलभ बनाने तक, भारत में स्वास्थ्य सेवा का भविष्य निश्चित रूप से तकनीक से जुड़ा हुआ है।
इस दिशा में सफलता के लिए आवश्यक है कि स्वास्थ्य सेवा प्रदाता, तकनीकी कंपनियाँ और सरकार मिलकर कार्य करें ताकि डिजिटल हेल्थ समाधान प्रभावी और समान रूप से लागू हो सकें। जैसे-जैसे हम आगे बढ़ रहे हैं, यह जरूरी है कि हम इन तकनीकों के संभावित लाभों के प्रति जागरूक रहें और आने वाले बदलावों को अपनाएं ताकि सभी के लिए स्वास्थ्य सेवा में सुधार हो सके।

लेखक की जीवनी

सुरजीत ठाकुर Trio Tree Technologies के सह-संस्थापक और सीईओ हैं। वह एक उत्साही हेल्थकेयर आईटी प्रवर्तक हैं, जिन्होंने बड़े पैमाने पर कार्यान्वयन में काम किया है और हेल्थकेयर आईटी इकोसिस्टम में एक विचारशील नेता हैं।

The post कैसे तकनीक बदल रही है स्वास्थ्य सेवा का भविष्य: सुरजीत ठाकुर से जानिए कुछ महत्वपूर्ण बातें appeared first on InnoHEALTH magazine.

After reading the book, I was reflecting on which category I should place this book in. It is a biography of a doctor or innovations in a field or scientific developments of a specialized medical discipline. This book is many things in one and perhaps also the personality of Dr Sangwan himself, a compassionate doctor, a problem solver and mentor to many. The book is not just about him, but his pursuit to spread curiosity, in Feynman’s words “the pleasure of finding things out” and translating those curious meanderings to sustainable solutions for many to benefit. 

First of all, I should start by praising the author of the book to make the story accessible. Rajroshan has done an excellent job in writing the book. I have read every word of the book from cover to cover, with a temptation to never keep it down. 

On the other hand, the characters painted in the book are so lively infront of me to go find them in real life. For a curious reader this book is a testament of sheer passion and joy of the journey of a village boy making it to the top scientific league in the world. A big part of it maybe is due to the grounding and staying honest to the purpose of the profession. The book at the same time is also a story of a fledgling scientific discipline of a developing yet large country where appreciation of theoretical scientific work is rare among practitioners. These initial examples become the lighthouse where an ecosystem matures and the forthcoming generations develop on, “the shoulders of the giants”. This book reminded me of Seema Singh’s book on Kiran Mazumdar Shaw. I ended up gifting that book to many as a story of the biotech industry in India. The Indian ophthalmology landscape has some great world class institutes like Aravind Eye care and LVPEI, after reading this book, one can learn why they are great! 

I would highly recommend this book to the ones who have hope and believe in solving problems with limited means with an honest and sincere pursuit.

The post Book Review – Unbound appeared first on InnoHEALTH magazine.

In the latest episode of InnoHealth Magazine Podcast, Soumya Singh sat down with Dr. Virendra Singh Sangwan, a renowned ophthalmologist at Dr. Shroff’s Eye Care Charity Hospital, to discuss the latest advancements in eye health, emerging technologies in treatment, and how we can protect our vision in an increasingly digital world.

A Personal Journey into Ophthalmology

Dr. Sangwan’s journey into ophthalmology is deeply personal and rooted in a moment of inspiration during his early years. Reflecting on his path, he shared a story his mother told him from his childhood, a defining experience that guided his professional choices. This story is also a central part of his book, Unbound, which outlines his life journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Dr. Sangwan’s experiences emphasize how seemingly random decisions, sometimes made without a clear vision at the time, can lead to fulfilling and impactful careers. His book serves as a framework for young adults navigating their professional and personal lives, encouraging them to dream big and embrace paths that may not always seem conventional.

Emerging Technologies in Eye Care

Over the years, the field of ophthalmology has seen incredible advancements. Dr. Sangwan recalled a time when, during his training in the late 1980s, ophthalmology was devoid of the advanced technologies we have today. However, things have drastically changed, and today, the field boasts innovations such as stem cell therapies, bioengineered corneas, and the latest, the liquid cornea.

The liquid cornea, a bioengineered solution for treating corneal damage, is one of the most exciting developments in modern eye care. Dr. Sangwan elaborated on how this technology could revolutionize corneal transplants and other treatments for patients with severe eye conditions.

Protecting Eye Health in the Digital Age

With the rise of digital screens in everyday life, protecting our eyes has become increasingly important. Dr. Sangwan addressed the issue of prolonged screen time, a concern for many in the digital age, especially those working in corporate environments. While using screens isn’t inherently harmful, he emphasized the importance of giving eyes proper rest.

He recommended taking a 2-3 minute break every 20-30 minutes of screen time, blinking forcefully to refresh the eyes, and using lubricating eye drops if symptoms of dryness or discomfort arise. Adjusting the position of your screen to eye level and using blue light filters on devices can also help minimize strain.

For those concerned about the impact of blue light, Dr. Sangwan suggested that while protective screens and special glasses might offer some relief, the key is to manage screen time and ensure that breaks are regularly taken to prevent eye fatigue.

Eye Health in Children

One concerning trend Dr. Sangwan noted is the increasing number of young children wearing glasses. This is largely due to the rise in screen time at a young age. In countries like China, Hong Kong, and Singapore, where screen use among children is particularly high, nearly 80% of the population wears glasses. In India, the rate is growing, especially among urban populations.

Dr. Sangwan explained that excessive screen time at a young age, combined with limited outdoor activities, contributes to the worsening of children’s eye health. He encouraged parents to ensure that children engage in outdoor physical activities, which can help balance the effects of screen time and contribute to better vision development.

The Link Between Diabetes and Eye Health

Diabetes, a condition prevalent in India, has significant implications for eye health. Dr. Sangwan discussed diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that can lead to vision loss if left untreated. With India having the highest number of diabetic patients globally, it is crucial for individuals with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet.

Dr. Sangwan explained how high blood sugar levels affect the retina, leading to reduced blood supply, bleeding, and in severe cases, retinal detachment. Timely detection and management of diabetes can help prevent or mitigate the effects of diabetic retinopathy.

Nutrition and Its Impact on Eye Health

Diet plays a key role in maintaining good eye health. Dr. Sangwan recommended traditional foods such as seasonal fruits and vegetables, milk, and curd, which are rich in nutrients essential for eye health, including vitamin A. He specifically mentioned the benefits of eating carrots and radishes, which are high in vitamin A, during the winter months.

Although Ayurveda offers several remedies for improving eyesight, Dr. Sangwan emphasized that, as an allopathic doctor, his expertise lies in more scientifically proven methods. Nevertheless, he acknowledged the importance of maintaining a balanced diet for overall health, including eye health.

Final Thoughts on Eye Health

Dr. Sangwan concluded the conversation with an important message for listeners: 80% of the information we gather about the world comes through our eyes. He urged people of all ages, whether young or old, to prioritize their eye health by maintaining a balanced diet, taking regular breaks from screens, and scheduling routine eye checkups. Protecting our eyes ensures that we can continue to fully engage with and appreciate the world around us.

Authors Biography

Dr. Virender Singh Sangwan is a globally acclaimed ophthalmic surgeon, pioneered SLET for corneal blindness, treated 800+ patients, authored 274 papers, and led innovations at LVPEI and Dr. Shroff’s Eye Hospital.

The post Advancements in Eye Care: Insights from Dr. Virendra Singh Sangwan appeared first on InnoHEALTH magazine.

In a recent episode of InnoHealth Magazine Podcast, Soumya Singh spoke with Surjeet Thakur, founder and CEO of TrioTree Technologies, about the transformative role technology is playing in healthcare. The conversation highlighted the evolving challenges and opportunities in healthcare accessibility, digitization, and patient care, particularly in India.

The Need for Healthcare Technology in India

Surjeet Thakur’s journey into healthcare technology was rooted in a long-standing passion for both technology and healthcare. With a background in computer science, he initially worked in the IT department of Max Healthcare and later moved to American Hospital Dubai. It was during these years that he began to notice significant gaps in the digitization of healthcare systems, particularly the lack of effective Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems in India.

The problem was clear: many healthcare systems were still using paper records, which led to inefficiencies, errors, and delays in patient care. Surjeet believed that technology could play a crucial role in solving these problems, not just by automating administrative tasks but also by improving the quality of patient care and access to medical information.

Overcoming Resistance to Change in Healthcare

One of the biggest challenges in the adoption of healthcare technology, as Surjeet pointed out, is the resistance from healthcare professionals, particularly doctors and nurses. For many clinicians, technology is seen as an additional burden rather than a helpful tool.

Surjeet explained that it’s less about the technology itself and more about changing the mindset and behavior of healthcare providers. “Doctors will always remain at the center of healthcare delivery, and this is where the challenge begins,” he said. Convincing medical staff to adopt new systems requires showing them how technology can make their jobs easier by streamlining processes like patient record management and reducing the time spent searching for information.

The key is understanding that technology is not just an IT issue but a healthcare issue. If doctors and nurses are onboarded properly, with a focus on how it will ultimately improve patient care, the transition can be smoother.

The Role of Government in Healthcare Digitalization

India’s government has taken important steps to address some of these challenges through initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). This initiative aims to centralize Electronic Health Records (EHRs), providing healthcare providers with easy access to patient data across the public and private sectors. The goal is to make healthcare more efficient and to improve the overall quality of care.

Surjeet emphasized that the vast size and diversity of India make healthcare digitalization both a challenge and an opportunity. “We need to ensure there is a central repository for all citizens’ EHRs,” he said. With this system in place, the government can gain valuable insights into the health trends of the population, allowing them to allocate resources more effectively and address public health challenges like chronic diseases, mental health, and preventive care.

However, implementing such a system in a country with diverse healthcare facilities, ranging from large private hospitals to smaller rural clinics, requires careful planning and collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Data Security and Privacy: Protecting Patient Information

As more healthcare services move online and patient records become digitized, protecting patient data becomes a critical concern. Surjeet pointed out the importance of both data security and privacy. Data security ensures that patient information is protected from unauthorized access, while privacy ensures that only authorized individuals have access to specific details.

The Indian government has addressed some of these concerns through the Data Protection and Privacy (DPDP) Act, which imposes significant fines on organizations that fail to protect patient data. Surjeet also shared how healthcare technology companies take patient confidentiality seriously, instilling a culture of data protection within their teams.

“We ensure that patient data is secure, and only the right people have access to the right information,” Surjeet explained. “This is crucial not only for compliance but also for maintaining trust in the healthcare system.”

The Potential of AI, Cloud Computing, and Remote Care

As technology continues to evolve, new tools like artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing are beginning to play a significant role in healthcare. Surjeet highlighted the growing importance of telemedicine and remote patient care, especially in a country like India, where there is a shortage of skilled healthcare professionals in rural areas.

Telemedicine has been around for decades, but its adoption has increased rapidly in recent years, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the help of digital tools, patients can now receive consultations from doctors remotely, reducing the need for travel and minimizing waiting times.

Surjeet shared how wearable devices like the Apple Watch are being used to monitor chronic conditions like diabetes. “As a diabetic, I use an Apple Watch to track my vitals, and the data syncs directly with my health record,” he said. This kind of remote monitoring allows for continuous care outside of traditional hospital settings, which can lead to better outcomes and fewer hospital visits.

What’s Next for Healthcare in India?

Looking forward, Surjeet is optimistic about the potential for technology to address India’s healthcare challenges. With a population of over 1.4 billion people, the need for accessible and affordable healthcare is more urgent than ever. While technology alone cannot solve all of India’s healthcare issues, it can certainly play a central role in improving efficiency, reducing costs, and making healthcare more equitable.

Surjeet pointed out that healthcare systems need to evolve from being hospital-centric to patient-centric. “Care has to come out of the hospitals and into the hands of the patients,” he said, emphasizing the role of technology in empowering individuals to manage their own health more effectively.

He also stressed that the future of healthcare in India will depend on leveraging technology to bridge the gap between the country’s diverse healthcare needs and its available infrastructure. By adopting innovations like AI, remote patient care, and centralized EHRs, India can build a more sustainable healthcare system that serves everyone, from urban centers to rural villages.

A Call for Awareness and Collaboration

The conversation with Surjeet Thakur highlights that while there are many challenges in healthcare technology, there are also significant opportunities for improvement. From enhancing data security to making healthcare more accessible through telemedicine and AI, the future of healthcare in India is undoubtedly tied to technology.

The key to success will be continued collaboration between healthcare providers, technology companies, and the government to ensure that digital health solutions are implemented effectively and equitably. As we move forward, it is important to stay aware of the potential benefits that these technologies bring to the table and to embrace the changes that are coming to improve healthcare for all.

Authors Biography

Surjeet Thakur is co-founder and CEO of Trio Tree technologies. He is Passionate Healthcare IT Evangelist having worked in Large Scale Implementations and a thought leader in Healthcare IT ecosystem.

The post How Technology is Shaping the Future of Healthcare: Insights from Surjeet Thakur appeared first on InnoHEALTH magazine.

Acute Pain: A Misunderstood Metric

For many years, pain was recognized as the “fifth vital sign,” placing patient-reported pain on par with vital indicators like blood pressure and pulse. While this initiative aimed to promote more compassionate care, it led to unintended consequences. By making pain relief a clinical priority, healthcare providers often felt compelled to treat pain aggressively, even in cases where non-opioid options or multimodal approaches would have been more suitable.
Pain scales, inherently subjective, became key metrics in patient satisfaction surveys and hospital ratings. Providers were evaluated based on their perceived ability to relieve pain, leading many to default to opioids due to their rapid efficacy. Unfortunately, this practice has contributed to excessive prescribing in cases where the pain was acute and self-limiting, such as post-operative recovery or minor injuries.

The Ripple Effect of Hospital Overprescribing

When patients are discharged with large quantities of opioids, the consequences extend far beyond their hospital stay. Data consistently show that excess pills from post-surgical prescriptions frequently end up in the community—shared among family members or diverted to others who misuse them. For some individuals, this initial exposure is the first step toward a lifelong struggle with addiction.

Research has also shown that a significant percentage of patients who receive opioids for acute pain in hospitals continue using them long after their pain should have resolved. Inadvertently, a hospital discharge prescription can set the stage for dependency, contributing to the escalating overdose crisis that devastates families and communities.

A Path Forward: A Comprehensive Redefinition of Pain Management

Addressing this issue requires a fundamental shift in assessing and treating pain. Hospitals and healthcare providers must adopt more nuanced frameworks for pain evaluation—ones that account for the type of pain, its expected duration, and the patient’s history of substance use. Key strategies include:

1. Implementing Multimodal Analgesia:Encouraging the use of non-opioid medications, nerve blocks, and physical therapy as first-line treatments.

2. Educational Reform:Medical education must emphasize safe prescribing practices, pain physiology, and the importance of assessing pain through a broader clinical lens rather than solely relying on patient-reported scales.

3. Patient-Centered Communication: Empowering patients with realistic expectations about pain management rather than framing “pain-free” as the goal. Patients should understand that some level of discomfort is natural and temporary during recovery.

4. Stronger Discharge Protocols: Ensuring discharge prescriptions are tailored to the patient’s clinical need and follow the lowest effective dose and shortest duration guidelines.

The acute pain crisis in hospital settings is not just a clinical issue—it is a community issue. Every unnecessary opioid prescription has the potential to ripple outward, fueling addiction and contributing to preventable deaths. By changing our approach to pain management within hospitals, we can begin to stem the flow of opioids into vulnerable communities and prioritize long-term patient safety over short-term pain suppression.

Author’s biography

Myles Gart, MD, has over 20 years of experience in addiction etiology, opioid harm reduction, and addressing the impacts of overprescribing. 

The post The Misguided Assessment of Acute Pain in Hospitals: A Catalyst for the Opioid Crisis appeared first on InnoHEALTH magazine.

A major concern lies in the fact that the majority of current genomic datasets are derived predominantly from individuals of European ancestry, resulting in a significant underrepresentation of data from other ethnicities—particularly minority and diverse communities. This imbalance has deepened existing global health inequities, leading to reduced diagnostic accuracy, compromised effectiveness of precision medicine, and uneven access to personalized healthcare solutions.

As a result, these disparities further exacerbate socio-economic inequality, with serious ramifications for healthcare systems in India and other low- and middle-income nations. Bridging this gap is now an urgent imperative for medical professionals and health policy leaders working in these regions.

India, home to over 1.4 billion people and accounting for around 18% of the global population, ranks as the most populated country in the world. The nation is known for its vast diversity, comprising over 4600 anthropologically distinct groups. These populations are classified based on caste, tribe, and religion, with variations in cultural practices, geography, climate, physical traits, marital customs, languages, and genetic makeup. Historically, India served as a key route for early human migration out of Africa via its southern coasts. Over time, multiple waves of migration and invasions have further enriched the genetic diversity of the Indian subcontinent.

Despite its vast genetic diversity, India remains markedly underrepresented in global genomic research. The population is characterized by pronounced stratification into numerous endogamous communities and elevated levels of consanguinity, which contribute to a higher incidence of recessive genetic disorders. Yet, the absence of large-scale, India-focused genome sequencing initiatives has led to a significant gap in the documentation of subpopulation-specific genetic variants within international medical literature and research efforts.

Over the last decade, advancements in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies and their increasing affordability have significantly transformed the understanding of genetic variations in populations worldwide. Global initiatives such as the 1000 Genomes Project, ExAC (Exome Aggregation Consortium), ESP6500 (Exome Sequencing Project version 6500), and gnomAD (Genome Aggregation Database) have contributed to the development of extensive reference and patient genome datasets across continents. While these datasets include genomes from individuals of Indian origin, the sample size is insufficient to capture the vast genetic diversity and heterogeneity of the Indian population.

In addition to these global efforts, a few studies specific to the Asian and Indian populations have been conducted to explore the genetic landscape in this region. For instance, the Indian Genome Variation (IGV) Consortium examined over 1800 individuals from 55 subpopulations across 900 genes. This study highlighted the genetic heterogeneity of the Indian population and identified unique founder mutations within the subcontinent, improving the understanding of genotype-phenotype relationships. Similarly, the GenomeAsia100K project addressed questions related to Asian populations, including 598 Indian samples primarily representing tribal groups and specific castes, predominantly from southern India.

Given India’s population size, these datasets represent only a small portion of the country’s genetic diversity. To better understand this diversity, comprehensive genome sequencing efforts must focus on the cultural, ethnic, and geographic variation within India. Such population-specific studies can facilitate the identification of genetic variants and polymorphisms linked to diseases, enhance the effectiveness of precision medicine, create robust population-specific reference genome datasets, and improve clinical predictions.

The Indian clinical genomics database IndiGen has garnered significant attention for its efforts in cataloguing genome sequencing data, particularly for rare genetic disorders. Other initiatives spearheaded by the Department of Biotechnology, such as the 10,000 Genome Sequencing Project (GenomeIndia), the National Inherited Disorders Administration Kendras (NIDAN), and the Unique Methods of Management of Inherited Disorders (UMMID), are actively working to document population-level genetic variations. The GenomeIndia project aims to generate a reference database of genetic variations specific to the Indian population by sequencing the genomes of 10,000 individuals from 99 diverse ethnic groups, provide open-access genome data for academic and research purposes through the IBDC (Indian Biological Data Centre) platform, develop genome-wide and disease-specific genetic chips for affordable diagnostics and research, and ultimately, lay the foundation for genome-based precision medicine in India.

In the first phase of the GenomeIndia project, joint variant calling was conducted on 5750 samples, representing 69 distinct population groups across India, highlighting the genetic complexity of the Indian population and the necessity of a large-scale initiative like GenomeIndia.

From a dataset comprising 5,750 samples, over 135 million genetic variants were identified—primarily single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and small insertions or deletions (INDELs), with a smaller subset consisting of multi-allelic variants. While a majority of these (~65%) were classified as ultra-rare, more than 6.9 million common variants (approximately 11% of the total) were detected. These widely shared variants across Indian subpopulations offer significant promise for genome-wide association studies aimed at identifying genetic determinants of prevalent traits. Moreover, they are instrumental in refining gene chips customized to reflect the genetic landscape of the Indian population, as many of these variants are either rare or absent in global variant databases.

A substantial proportion of the discovered variants has been functionally annotated. Although the majority of SNVs and INDELs lie within non-coding regions, more than 1.4 million variants were identified as potentially functional. These include missense mutations, frameshift variants, splice site alterations, and changes within untranslated regions—each of which may impact gene expression and phenotypic outcomes. Notably, novel missense variants in the LDLR (Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor) gene, associated with familial hypercholesterolemia, were identified, underscoring their clinical significance within the Indian context.

The genetic data also provides a unique perspective on India’s population history and linguistic diversity, capturing groups from the four major linguistic families: Indo-European, Dravidian, Austro-Asiatic, and Tibeto-Burman. This unprecedented genomic diversity contributes to a deeper understanding of the population dynamics and history within the Indian subcontinent.

The private genetic and genomic laboratories in India hold a crucial role in this regard. These laboratories typically offer a range of services, including molecular and cytogenetic analysis, single-gene mutation testing, multi-gene panel testing, targeted or whole-exome sequencing, and whole-genome sequencing. Some laboratories also specialize in areas such as fetal medicine, prenatal diagnostics, rare genetic disorders, and familial cancer. While many of these laboratories boast state-of-the-art equipment and technical facilities, only a limited number have skilled bioinformatics support for managing and interpreting sequencing data.

A critical challenge faced by these laboratories is the lack of standardized protocols to interpret variants of unknown significance (VUS), which is crucial for determining their potential pathogenicity. Moreover, certain pre-existing “founder mutations” prevalent in India’s diverse populations are often misclassified as VUS, thereby depriving affected individuals of appropriate clinical interventions.

To address some of these challenges, mandatory data sharing is required by all the commercial and non-commercial laboratories. Standardized annotation consistent with international nomenclature and classification is an important step to improve data consistency and reliability. The shared genomic database should be accessible to all, regardless of geographical location, to foster inclusivity.

Many profit-driven genome laboratories in India and other low- and middle-income countries are affiliated with multinational organizations or overseas laboratories. Their datasets are often based on individuals of European descent or small, non-representative minority groups, leading to potentially flawed interpretations of genomic variants. This issue is particularly critical, where indigenous populations risk being marginalized in genomic healthcare.

To address this, international collaboration, led by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Genome Consortium, is essential. These efforts could provide technical guidance, encourage data sharing, and help establish centralized genome databases. Such initiatives would not only advance precision medicine but also yield significant socio-economic benefits by making genomic healthcare more equitable and accessible.

Mandatory data sharing through centralized data centres and robust regulation, coupled with international cooperation, are imperative to ensure the effective integration of genomic medicine into healthcare systems in India while addressing global health disparities.

Author’s Biography

Sombuddha Roy Bhowmick is a driven professional with a strong foundation in data analysis and bioinformatics. He has experience developing innovative solutions across diverse fields, including genomics, machine learning, and clinical data management. 

The post Are We Missing the Genetic Puzzle in India’s Healthcare? appeared first on InnoHEALTH magazine.

The socio-economic & infrastructural growth of India  exhibited increased vulnerabilities in terms of road incidences, public health and asymmetric distribution of urban: rural health resources. The emergency medical responsive ability significantly differs in urban and rural set ups. The non-organic evolution of bike ambulances (Type A under AIS -125 Part 1) in naxal affected areas exhibited a major increase in institutional deliveries of new babies, reducing both infant and mother’s mortality rates. DRDO’s Rakshita, a casualty evacuation seat fitted ambulance evolved as a value added response specialized vehicle to save lives in difficult terrain during rescue missions. Despite such success stories, the regulatory framework is yet to evolve to use bike ambulances as a special purpose vehicle for saving life (both in sitting and supine position) as being done with bikes for fire management using AIS-167 standard. 

The present review systematically analyzed various requirements and their scientifically evident solutions. It includes revision of definitions of categorization, types, functionalities with their intended outcome and site of usage. The restriction of width up to 1.5 m and aerodynamic designs with its relative impact on manoeuvring in narrow lanes was analyzed. A detailed scientific analysis of Brake Horse Power (BP) and Cubic Capacity (cc) was conducted involving coefficient of air drag, frontal area of ambulance to evaluate speed range limitations with respect to permissible loaded weight. This criterion allows selection of appropriate bike with minimum of 249 cc having higher or equal to 18 BHP to evacuate critical victims in supine position.  It is recommended to select a bike with minimum ground clearance of 165 mm for multi-terrain usage ability. The patient’s safety  in terms of real time monitoring of vital parameters, telemedicine support capability, GPS linked tracing, sanitization measures to prevent air and surface transmission of pathogens, puncture resistant tyres ensuring no delays in response, wireless and  innovative medical devices for saving lives, new  life saving solutions for trauma care and contaminated patient management are essential. Standards should include space optimization provisions to accommodate such technologies. 

The novel DRDO and other commercial technologies are now available for providing such edge to bike ambulances.  It include Ultraswachh^TM– Vayu Swachh aka Air Sanitization Unit (ASU); Anti-microbial coatings; Tapas Aasan (pressure dispersive sheet); Protecton^TM (multi-use PPE with NFPA 1999: 2018 compliance); Third Eye; Wireless Electro Cardio Gram (ECG) and other devices. An approach is being adopted by Start ups to innovate a composite ecosystem for evolving regulatory compliant development for life saving 2-wheeler based ambulances. These standardized pieces of innovations will not only fulfil domestic requirement(s) while exported to countries of Global South requiring cost-effective high quality ambulances. 

India being the fastest growing economy, exhibited 59% increase in length of National Highways, expected to be doubled by 2047. Ironically, the country also loses 18 persons per hour due to road crashes. Further, the South East Asian Region is expected to observe an increase of 11.4% mortality rate due to injuries with 10.4% increased disease burden in India (as per 2016 data).  Among major causes of trauma related mortality, 23% are contributed by transportation incidences.

The comprehensive study on emergency and injury care including 100 hospitals from all across India was conducted to analyse gaps & submitted to Niti Aayog in 2021. 91% of these hospitals have in house 148 advance, 97 Basic and 70 transport ambulances (total : 378) in addition to 17,000 ambulances fleet offered by ‘102’ & ‘108’ ambulance network to manage the burden of 1.5 million road traffic related deaths. However, 34% have trained paramedics, 98.5% ambulances are used for transporting dead bodies, only 18% hospitals are equipped with pre-hospital notification care and 3-5% of total beds dedicated to emergency department(s) are flooded with junior doctors rather than specialists. The lack of essential medicines for resuscitation (~restricted to 11%), non-availability of dedicated blood banks, bulk transfusion protocols & delay in emergency care are attributing reasons for high mortality incidences.  Only one of the hospitals at Chandigarh has 2 functional bike ambulances which were used for patient transport. The studies recommended increase in emergency beds, optimal use of emergency medical resources inclusive of ambulances with specific focus on training aspects. 

Non-organic evolution of Bike Ambulance(s)

The country has visualized a non-organic evolution of bike ambulances restricted to local regions, yet showed impressive social outcome(s). An example of deployment at Maoist-affected Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra under Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) showed increase in institutional deliveries of babies and reduced neonatal or maternal mortality rates among tribal population. Similar efforts by local NGOs, with the support of UNICEF, deployed at Narayanpur district of Chhattisgarh showed nearly 27% of institutional deliveries supported by bike ambulances. ‘108’ ambulance fleet also added a bike ambulance with side carriage to their fleet for evacuation of patients from narrow lanes of remote areas. All these Type ‘A’ ambulances are restricted to transfer patients in supine position. Systematic efforts supported by a regulatory framework with an ecosystem are still lacking with an exception of DRDO’s effort for support of Paramilitary Forces.

‘RAKSHITA’ Bike Ambulance: DRDO’s Rescue System

Rakshita, a chair conformation based bike ambulance, was evolved as a ‘rescue’ vehicle to operate in difficult terrain especially for responders care by INMAS, DRDO.. The patient chair on the rear seat of the bike is directly deployable as well as easily removable as a wheel chair ensuring no delays during response. The system is fitted with multi-channel vital parameter analyzer; sirens, beacons and even driver can visualize these parameters via front LED display. The space management while driving was managed by extended front guards and all electric operational switches within reach of the driver. Herein, drivers act as emergency medical technician, first responder or paramedic. The suitable immobilization systems are designed on chair conformation ensuring safety of patients during transit. DRDO’s ‘Rakshita’ had undergone field trials at difficult terrains of naxal’s affected areas by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and was undergoing a transition process to add a complete fleet. The only limitation of such types of ambulances is that these are not equipped to evacuate to surgically traumatized victims/ responders (with spinal injuries). Under combat / confrontations/ road traffic injuries, surgical injuries also constitute a significant percentage and cannot be ignored. 

An investigatory study was conducted by All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna reviewed the concept of bike ambulances and their ground status in India. The group recommended a special guideline manual for the “first responder” bike with all engineering specifications should be developed and standardized for the future benefits. The present investigation is undertaken to review the existing regulatory framework of 2-Wheeled first responder vehicles to evolve guiding principle(s) for engineering for road worthiness, patient safety and other related aspects.  

RAKSHITA^TM– a product of Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO) for deployment of emergency rescue vehicle 

(Presently deployed with Central Reserve Police Force, handed over to CRPF on January 18, 2021). 

Investigatory review of AIS -125 (Part 1) and AIS-167 standard as guiding regulatory framework & optimization of requirements for usage of Two-Wheelers as special purpose vehicle i.e. bike ambulance with an ability to manage and transfer patients both in sitting and supine positions i.e. medical & surgically traumatized patients respectively. Best practices evolved in the country or globally that can be useful in integrated models are also reviewed. 

llustrative design of evacuation of surgically traumatized patient (with/ without spinal injury) in supine position in side-stretcher mounted bike having ability to load AIS-125 Part 1 compliant stretcher (Left) & fast rescue of medical emergency patient (with no spinal injury) in sitting position on modified wheel chair (from wheel chair complying with AIS-125 part 1) mounted on pillion seat (Right) as systematic evolution of Two-Wheel Ambulance(s)

Existing Regulatory Framework

The existing regulatory framework includes AIS-125 (Part 1) that guides development of ambulances inclusive of type A, B, C and D category in regards to their specialization, advancement & stringent regulatory requirement(s) in addition to their function utility as Basic or Advance Life Support Ambulances (BLS/ ALS) respectively. The scope of functionality as BLS /ALS is also linked to medical equipment(s) provisioned along with trained manpower which was evolved in AIS 125 Part 2.2-Wheeler based first responder ambulances available within country are either Type A for On-Site response but not transferring of patient or otherwise if evacuated only in sitting position restricting its usage for some aspects of preventive health care only.  Figure 2 provides an illustration of how existing ambulances with modified pillion seats can be governed by Type A ambulance of AIS-125 Part 1. 

A substantial increase in fire fighting vehicles between 2006-2023 with an average of 21,000 units/ month supporting 3926 fire stations was observed across the country. However, managing fire emergencies in narrow access lanes was still a major challenge. In 2020, AIS 167 standard was notified by Government of India standardizing usage of Two-wheeler as Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for First Response to Fire emergencies in systematic manner leading to addition of such fleet in fire brigades. The designing and improvisation has been undertaken by youth to re-modify equipment(s) to provide maximum ability to manage fire incidence. 

A similar evolution is required as part of evolving 2-Wheelers as ambulances to manage all types of emergencies in terms of stabilizing and evacuation of patients in the earliest possible manner.. Accordingly, Government of India has undertaken this task and presently evolving regulatory standards for the same. 

Categorization, Type & Functionality

The regulatory framework defining Type A-D category (basic / advance) with range of equipment(s) & trained manpower treat 4-Wheeler as a base vehicle. The evolution of 2/3- wheeler based ambulances needs to be treated with their utility scores and accordingly categories & functionality should be evolved. In an analysis of existing models of bike ambulances, it could be either ‘chair’ type or ‘side carriage’ type and should be evolved as an ‘ambulance accessory’ definition in scope of newly evolving standards for Two-Wheel ambulance. In terms of functional categorization, ‘chair’ type can be used as (a) first response, feeder; (b) medical emergencies and; (c) fast evacuation from difficult terrains (as being RAKSHITA). On the other hand, ‘stretcher’ type calls for (a) universal response; (b) emergency trauma; (c) preventive health care; (d) resuscitation & urgent evacuation. These categories will evolve a concept of medium life support, if supported by the right choice of medical equipment(s). 

Aerodynamics & Manoeuvring 

The aerodynamic design is inversely related to coefficient of drag. Another target of Two- Wheeler ambulance is the ability to turn via narrow lanes. Hence, the width is required to be limited and lesser than 4- wheeler counterparts (generally > 80” width) yet minimum enough to accommodate patients in supine position. This is linked to medical grade stretchers foldable and transformable into wheel chairs, in turn, applicable for different types of bike ambulances. Such medical grade stretchers conforming to AIS 125 Part 15 should have a minimum width of 480 mm. The total width needs to accommodate a side carriage able to hold such a stretcher, fitted with a wheel and connected to the bike via connectors. Keeping these variables in consideration, the width should remain within 60” or 1.5 m as being envisaged by the Department of Health, Government of Jharkhand¹². However, the maximum limit for 2/3 wheel based vehicles the maximum permissible width is 2.0 m as per existing regulations thus to accommodate creativity of innovators, the same shall be considered in regulatory evolution. This width restriction allows ease of manoeuvring via narrow lanes thus for consideration of the ideal model, 1.5 m shall be taken into consideration in estimation of their speed requirement(s).  

Brake Horse Power (BHP) & Cubic Capacity (cc)

Lightweight motorcycles with 50-300 cc (displacement) exhibit an average range of 3-40 Horse Power (HP). The analysis of Indian e-Rikshaws with their loading range (total capacity), maximum permissible speed & peak power revealed that > 10 HP is sufficiently enough to manage 750 Kg at maximum permissible speed of 45 Km/h. The analysis indicated that cc/BHP of motorcycles should support > 10 HP (minimal basis) & accordingly, 149-249  cc bikes were compared. The analysis of 28 commercially available two-wheelers showed 150, 200 & 250 cc bikes corresponds to an average range of 12-14 HP; 18-24 HP and; 16-30 HP respectively (herein 1 BHP = 0.9863HP).  It indicated that a minimum 150 cc engine is required fitting all bike ambulances into L2 category vehicles as per existing standards. The next step is to evaluate maximum permissible speed with respect to total expected range of loaded weight. The other two variables include: (a) coefficient of drag and; (b) frontal area of ambulance inclusive of side carriage. 

Coefficient of drag ranges from 0.5, 0.9 and 1.0 for low, medium and high air resistance offered by two-wheeler vehicle(s). For removing any impact of aerodynamic designing, 1.0 as higher air resistance is taken for estimation purposes. The average weight of 2-wheelers is nearly 150-200 Kg, if we add weight of one pillion and patient as well as side carriage etc., the total weight range might be taken as 500 Kg (1102.31 lbs); 750 Kg (1653.46 lbs) and; 1000 Kg (2204.62 lbs) as ’03 point weight range’ for estimation purposes.  The frontal area  is calculated by: 

Frontal Area = Width (w) of front of vehicle (inclusive of side carriage) 

X Height of length from ground till helmet of driver

The width was restricted to 1.5 m (= 59” or ~ 60” i.e. 5’) as for effective manoeuvring ability as discussed above and keeping overall area lesser than any 4- wheeler being deployed for ambulance purposes at present. Height was considered with a maximum limit of 7’. Hence Maximum Area = 7 X 5 =35 sq ft. The estimation with ‘03 point weight range’ vs speed range of  40-60 Km/ h at frontal area of 35 sq ft and maximum coefficient of drag (~1.0) exhibited range of HP requisite for safe selection of motorcycles for bike ambulances as special purpose vehicles (Table-1).

Table -1 Estimated Horse Power requirement(s) for SPVs^$

Constant(s) used for calculation of HP: Maximum Frontal Area of Special Purpose Vehicle: 35 sqft; Maximum coefficient of drag: 1.00

The analysis revealed that 2-wheelers with minimum of 249 cc with higher or equal to 18 BHP will provide significant boost and ability to provide necessary support to stabilize and evacuate a single patient in supine position. The same can be realized for electric power to accommodate electric bikes in future too. It is important to evolve electric bikes with significant power, faster charging ability and silent mode of operations to make it even effective for usage in combat zones too. 

Ground Clearance

Another aspect of design is ground clearance that if higher it makes a comfortable on bumpy or steep terrain roads while if lower improves handling and stability on the highways as well as steering more responsive to the reflexes of the driver. The optimization is linked to the number of persons loaded and in case of bike ambulance(s), the side carriage needs to match it with the primary base vehicle. For effective movement from gravel, mud and sand tracks, it requires a minimum of 6.6 inches (~ 167 mm). In the analysis of 28 commercially available Indian Motorcycles with effective cc/BHP requirement, it is ideal to select a bike with minimum ground clearance of 165 mm, optimizing all variables together.

Patient’s Safety & Safe Evacuation

The patient’s safety is linked to breathing air/ oxygen, least time to evacuate, immobilization to prevent secondary injuries, spinal alignment, and stabilization and live monitoring of vital parameters during transit, resuscitation ability if required, on-site airway, breathing & circulation management using regulatory approved medical devices.  Sanitization measures for preventing air & surface transmission of pathogens is an essential requisite based on lessons learnt during recent pandemics.  Safe evacuation is linked to a comfortable and safest ride (puncture resistant) in minimum possible time. The contrasting factor is time delay with respect to restrictive speed limits for road safety against secondary disasters. The latter supported by GPS mapping and navigation adds value to ambulances. The bike ambulance shall accommodate maximum permissible resources to be evolved as a special purpose vehicle that can save lives. Some of the new devices/ technologies that are now available for integration into such vehicles & their impact are summarized in Table-2.  Standard should evolve to provide space for accommodation of the same, wherever applicable as recommended earlier. The next generation model of DRDO’s combat ambulance shall accommodate such characteristics with respect to combat requirements of Defence Forces with dual usage in the civilian sector too. 

Table 2: Novel Technologies/ Devices available for integration into Ambulances (realized as next generation model in Figure 3). 

 Futuristic Hybrid Bike Ambulance: Evolution Strategy (i) to (iv): (i) Transformation of Pillion Seat such that modified wheel chair model is able to accommodate medical victim with telemedicine compatibility; (ii) Transformation to wheel chair (AIS-125 part 1 compliant) transformable into stretcher with (iii) Taaran (Safe Passage) Patient Transfer system capability; (iv) Wheel Chair-cum-Stretcher with Taaran & Telemedicine capacities equipped for Bike with advance features: (a) Next generation (able to sanitize exhaled air of patient fits as pillion seat or (b) transformable open stretcher directly fits as side attachment with mini Vayuswachh+ capability; (c) Paramedic using multi-use Protecton (NFPA 1999:2018 compliant); (d) e bike L2 vehicle or (e) fuel bike L2 vehicle; (f) silencing assembly to silent mode operations (g) complete immobilization and pressure dispersion Tapas Aasan assembly; (h)  NAVIC equipped system for continuous monitoring; (i) Siren/ PA system with infra-red light and; (j) Puncture Resistant Tyre technology.   Design developed for bike with mountain terrain accessibility requisite for combat scenarios. 

India’s economy is booming though its health care structure is yet to be evolved. The evacuation vehicles (aka ambulances) are an important component of such a structure. The time has come to systematically evolve standards for bike ambulances followed by its implementation to save lives. These standardized pieces of innovations will not only fulfil domestic requirement(s) while exported to countries of Global South requiring cost-effective high quality ambulances. 

Acknowledgement:  Author(s) are grateful to Director, INMAS for facilitation and support given to R&D work of “RAKSHITA”- specialized rescue vehicle & policy research to evolve regulatory framework for 2-Wheeler special purpose vehicle(s) in the country. Author(s) also acknowledge(s) significant contribution of Dr. Prem Chand Gupta, Ex-Scientist, INMAS, DRDO & his team who has developed ‘RAKSHITA’ that is being used by CRPF, at present. 

Authors Biography

Dr. Raman Chawla , Scientist F & Dr. Sudeep Ranjan Nayak, Scientist E of Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences (INMAS) DRDO.

The post Evolutionary Trends in 2-Wheeler Ambulances appeared first on InnoHEALTH magazine.

Dr. Abhilash K.R. from NCSCM is an experienced scientist specializing in marine biodiversity and ecology with a strong research profile on coastal ecosystem was interviewed by Dr. Debleena Bhattacharya,Associate Editor of InnoHEALTH Magazine.

Marine Ecosystems & Biodiversity

How would you describe the current state of marine biodiversity along India’s coastline?

 India’s coastline, spanning approximately 7,500 kilometres, is home to diverse marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, estuaries, mudflats, saltmarshes, rocky cliffs and sandy beaches. However, marine biodiversity in these regions faces significant challenges due to rampant developmental activities and climate change.

This tropical coastline boasts a rich marine biodiversity, though facing threats from human activities and degradation. India’s coastal waters support a vast range of marine life, including over 2,500 fish species, 100⁺ species of sharks and rays, and several endangered species like the olive ridley turtle, dugong, and Gangetic dolphin. The Gulf of Mannar, Sundarbans, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands are biodiversity hotspots with thriving coral reefs and mangroves. India contributes significantly to global marine fish diversity, with 2,492 marine fish species, representing 7.4% of the world’s total. 

Important Coastal and Marine Areas (ICMBAs): 106 coastal and marine sites have been identified and prioritized as Important Coastal and Marine Areas (ICMBAs) by the Wildlife Institute of India.

Despite its richness, marine biodiversity is under threat from:

• Overfishing and Illegal Fishing: Unsustainable fishing practices, including bottom trawling and bycatch, have led to declining fish stocks.
• Coastal Pollution: Industrial discharge, plastic waste, and oil spills have significantly degraded marine habitats, especially in regions like Mumbai and Chennai.
• Climate Change & Coral Bleaching: Rising sea temperatures have caused coral bleaching, particularly in the Lakshadweep and Andaman reefs.
• Habitat Destruction: Mangrove deforestation and unregulated coastal development threaten breeding grounds for many marine species.

India has taken steps to protect marine biodiversity through:

• Protected Marine Areas: Reserves like the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park and the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve help conserve critical ecosystems.
• Sustainable Fishing Policies: The Marine Fisheries Regulation Act and seasonal fishing bans help control overfishing.
• Blue Economy Initiatives: Programs promoting sustainable marine resource use, such as the Deep Ocean Mission, focus on balancing economic development with conservation.
• Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Clean India Mission, is a nationwide cleanliness campaign launched by the Government of India in 2014. Coastal clean-up missions and Blue flag beach certification were introduced to effectively clear the coastal areas from garbage, especially plastics.

While efforts are being made, marine biodiversity along India’s coastline remains vulnerable. Strengthening marine protection laws, promoting sustainable tourism, and increasing community participation in conservation can help preserve India’s rich marine life for future generations.

What are some lesser-known but critically endangered marine species that deserve more public attention?

Several lesser-known yet critically endangered marine species in India’s coastal waters deserve more attention due to their ecological importance and declining populations. Here are some species that need urgent conservation efforts:

• Ganges Shark (Glyphis gangeticus): This rare, Critically Endangered (IUCN) riverine shark is one of the few species adapted to freshwater and estuarine environments, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem. Habitat destruction, pollution in the Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems, and accidental bycatch.
• Dugong (Dugong dugon) – India’s Only Herbivorous Marine Mammal: Dugongs are Critically Endangered in India essential for maintaining healthy seagrass beds, which support fish populations and carbon sequestration. Seagrass habitat loss due to coastal development, fishing net entanglement, and boat strikes. Found along the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• Pondicherry Shark (Carcharhinus hemiodon): A small, elusive shark once found along India’s east and west coasts, its disappearance signals severe marine ecosystem degradation. It is Critically Endangered and Possibly Extinct in the Wild.  Overfishing, habitat loss, and lack of conservation awareness.
• Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata): They fall under the Critically Endangered category of IUCN list. Plays a key role in maintaining coral reef health by controlling sponge populations. Illegal poaching for shell trade, climate change affecting nesting sites, and entanglement in fishing gear. Found in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Gulf of Mannar.
• Seahorses (Hippocampus spp.): These Critically Endangered slow-moving fish are vital for maintaining the balance of seagrass beds and coral reef ecosystems. Overexploitation for traditional medicine, habitat destruction, and bycatch from bottom trawling. Found along Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra coasts.
• Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin (Sousa plumbea): These coastal dolphins help indicate the health of marine ecosystems and are vital for marine food chains. They are critically endangered in Indian waters. Coastal pollution, boat traffic, and accidental entanglement in fishing nets form the reason for their affecting their survival, and are mostly found along the coasts of Goa, Kerala, Odisha.
• Giant Guitarfish (Glaucostegus spp.): These critically endangered (IUCN) ray-like creatures are important benthic predators, keeping seabed ecosystems in balance. Overfishing for their fins and habitat destruction are the major threats. Found along the Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat coasts.

These species remain overlooked due to limited public awareness and inadequate conservation funding. Strengthening marine protected areas (MPAs), promoting sustainable fishing, and enforcing anti-poaching laws are crucial for their survival.

How does deep-sea exploration enhance our understanding of ecological balance?

Discovering New Species and Their Roles in Ecosystems: The deep sea is home to thousands of unknown species, many of which contribute to nutrient cycling, food webs, and biodiversity regulation. Recent deep-sea explorations in the Indian Ocean have revealed new species of bioluminescent fish, deep-sea corals, and giant single-celled organisms that play crucial roles in carbon sequestration.

Understanding Deep-Sea Food Chains and Energy Transfer: Studying how deep-sea organisms survive in extreme conditions (e.g., hydrothermal vents, abyssal plains) helps scientists understand global energy transfer. Hydrothermal vent communities depend on chemosynthesis rather than  photosynthesis, demonstrating an alternative energy flow system that supports entire ecosystems.

Monitoring Climate Change Impacts on Marine Life: The deep sea acts as a carbon sink, absorbing excess carbon dioxide and regulating global temperatures. Scientists have observed that deep-sea coral reefs serve as long-term carbon storage systems, but rising ocean acidity threatens their survival.

Investigating Ocean Currents and Nutrient Cycling: Deep-sea exploration helps map thermohaline circulation, which drives global ocean currents that regulate temperature and nutrient distribution. The Indian Ocean Dipole and monsoon cycles are influenced by deep-sea currents, affecting fisheries and coastal ecosystems.

Identifying Human Impacts and Environmental Threats: Deep-sea mining, plastic pollution, and industrial waste dumping are disrupting deep-sea habitats. Recent expeditions have found microplastics in the Mariana Trench, highlighting the far-reaching impact of pollution on marine ecosystems.

Supporting Medical and Biotechnological Innovations: Deep-sea organisms produce unique biochemical compounds with potential applications in medicine, bioengineering, and sustainable industries. Bacteria from hydrothermal vents have inspired new antibiotics and enzyme-based industrial solutions.

By studying deep-sea ecosystems, we gain critical insights into how marine life adapts to extreme conditions, maintains biodiversity, and regulates the planet’s climate. Understanding these processes helps in conserving marine ecosystems, mitigating climate change, and developing sustainable ocean management strategies.

Climate Change & Ocean Health

In what ways is climate change already affecting India’s marine ecosystems?

Climate change is already impacting India’s marine ecosystems through ocean warming, acidification, rising sea levels, and changes in ocean currents, leading to coral bleaching, seagrass destruction, shifts in fish populations, and increased frequency of extreme weather events. 

Ocean Warming and Heatwaves: The Indian Ocean is experiencing increased sea surface temperatures (SST), with some areas entering a “near-permanent heatwave state”. This warming is not limited to the surface, with the heat content of the Indian Ocean increasing significantly. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), has undertaken various observations and studies which reveal that the Indian Ocean is warming faster than the global average. Warming waters can lead to coral bleaching, seagrass destruction, and the collapse of kelp forests. The study by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) says that the tropical Indian Ocean will likely be in a “near-permanent heatwave state”. Rising temperatures and sea-level rise are stressing mangrove forests and seagrass ecosystems, which are crucial for biodiversity and carbon sequestration. Areas like Sundarbans (West Bengal), Bhitarkanika (Odisha), and Pichavaram (Tamil Nadu) are impacted. These ecosystems are vital nurseries for fish, provide coastal protection, and store massive amounts of carbon.

Ocean Acidification: The ocean absorbs a significant amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide, leading to increased acidity. This acidification can harm marine life, particularly corals and shell-forming organisms, by making it harder for them to build and maintain their skeletons and shells. Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), suggests that the global mass bleaching of 1988 predominantly affected the coral reefs of the Indian Ocean. Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Gulf of Mannar reefs have experienced major bleaching events in 1998, 2010, and 2020. The Coral reefs are believed to support 25% of all the marine species, protect coastlines from erosion, and sustain fisheries.

Rising Sea Levels: Sea level rise, accelerated by melting glaciers and thermal expansion of water, threatens coastal areas and ecosystems. This can lead to saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources, impacting agriculture and drinking water quality.  Coastal erosion and flooding become more frequent, damaging infrastructure and habitats. Sundarbans (West Bengal), Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala are experiencing rapid coastal erosion.

Changes in Ocean Currents and Upwelling: Climate change can disrupt ocean currents and upwelling patterns, which are crucial for nutrient distribution and marine productivity.  Changes in these patterns can affect fish populations, their distribution, and the overall health of the marine ecosystem. 

Impacts on Fisheries: Warming waters can cause fish populations to shift to cooler waters, potentially leading to declines in fish catches and impacting livelihoods of fishing communities.  Changes in ocean conditions can also affect the abundance and distribution of other marine species, including plankton, which are vital for the marine food web. According to a study by CMFRI Kochi the Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) is shifting to higher latitudes and deeper water, indicating a shift in fish distribution due to warming waters. Declining fish stocks threaten millions of livelihoods in India’s fishing industry.

Extreme Weather Events: Climate change is linked to more frequent and intense extreme weather events, such as cyclones and floods, which can devastate coastal areas and their ecosystems. The frequent occurrence of extreme events can cause widespread damage to infrastructure, habitats, and fisheries and serious issues to the survival of coastal populations by the impact of life, infrastructure and livelihood.

Ocean acidification is often underreported—how serious is this issue, and what might be its long-term impacts?

Ocean acidification is one of the most severe yet overlooked consequences of climate change, caused by increased carbon dioxide (CO₂) absorption by seawater. Since the Industrial Revolution, ocean acidity has increased by 30%, and projections indicate it could rise by 150% by 2100 if CO₂ emissions continue unchecked. This chemical shift threatens marine biodiversity, fisheries, and global food security—with particularly serious implications for India’s coastal ecosystems. Ocean acidification poses a significant risk to the Indian coastline, impacting marine ecosystems, fisheries, and coastal communities. It’s driven by the ocean’s absorption of excess carbon dioxide, leading to a decrease in pH and carbonate ion availability, which harms marine life, especially those with calcium carbonate shells like corals and shellfish.

• Ocean acidification occurs when the ocean absorbs excess carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, leading to a decrease in pH (becoming more acidic). 
• This process reduces the availability of carbonate ions, which are essential for marine organisms to build and maintain their shells and skeletons. 
• The ocean has absorbed about 30% of the CO2 emitted by human activities, causing a measurable decrease in pH since the industrial era.

Ocean acidification can disrupt marine ecosystems, impacting the growth and survival of various species, including plankton, corals, shellfish, and fish. Acidification can lead to a decline in fisheries and aquaculture, impacting livelihoods and food security in coastal communities. The Indian coastline, with its extensive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and a large coastal population, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of ocean acidification. Ocean acidification exacerbates the effects of warming on coral reefs, which are important for food provisioning, ecotourism, and coastal infrastructure protection. Ocean acidification can also lead to a decline in commercial fisheries and the coast-based tourism industry.

The science behind ocean acidification can be complex, making it difficult for the public to understand and appreciate the threat. There may be a lack of awareness and understanding of the issue among policymakers and the public, leading to insufficient action. Ocean acidification is often overshadowed by other pressing environmental issues, such as climate change and plastic pollution

Addressing the root cause of ocean acidification by reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial.  More research is needed to understand the impacts of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems and develop effective adaptation strategies.  Coastal communities need to develop adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of ocean acidification, such as building resilient infrastructure and diversifying livelihoods.  Raising public awareness about ocean acidification and its impacts is essential to mobilize action.

What are your thoughts on the role of mangroves and coral reefs as climate buffers?

Mangroves and coral reefs act as vital climate buffer solutions by protecting coastlines from erosion, storms, and rising sea levels, while also storing vast amounts of carbon, thus mitigating climate change.

Mangroves provide Coastal Protection with their complex root systems, act as natural barriers against storm surges, waves, and erosion, protecting coastal communities and infrastructure. 

Mangroves are highly efficient at capturing and storing carbon, making them a valuable tool in combating climate change. 

Mangrove provide various Ecosystem Services as habitat and nursery grounds for various marine species, supporting healthy fisheries and biodiversity. 

Mangroves help filter pollutants and improve water quality in coastal areas. 

Mangroves help in adaptation and mitigation against climate extreme events and are considered a natural solution to protect against the devastation caused by tsunamis, rising sea levels, and severe storms resulting from climate change, by absorbing and dissipating the power of waves. They are a cornerstone in Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for reducing coastal flood risks. 

Coral reefs act as natural breakwaters, absorbing wave energy and reducing the impact of storms and erosion on coastlines. They are among the most ecologically and economically valuable ecosystems, supporting a vast array of marine life. They provide fisheries, tourism, and other valuable resources to coastal communities. 

Protecting coral reefs and mangroves is critical for maintaining the ocean’s climate change resilience. 

Coral reefs and seagrasses buffer habitats further inland from storms and wave damage. 

The ridged structure of the corals acts as a natural barrier that reduces the energy within waves by up to 97%, thus lowering the impact of Tsunamis and hurricanes globally.Mangroves and coral reefs are nature’s best defence against climate change, but they are rapidly disappearing. Protecting and restoring these ecosystems is essential for safeguarding coastal communities, biodiversity, and global climate stability.

Recent Developments & Global Environmental News

The world recently observed a record increase in global ocean temperatures. What implications could this have for marine life and weather patterns in the Indian subcontinent?

Rising global temperatures will likely lead to more frequent and intense heat waves, droughts, and floods in the Indian subcontinent, impacting marine life with ocean acidification and warming, and potentially causing shifts in monsoon patterns and increased coastal erosion. With built-up urban areas rapidly becoming “heat-islands”, urban planners will need to adopt measures to counteract this effect.

Changes in Monsoon Patterns: The Indian monsoon, which is crucial for agriculture and water resources, could become more unpredictable and extreme, with potential for both more frequent and intense droughts and floods. 

Increased Heatwaves and Droughts: Warming temperatures will likely lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves, which can have severe impacts on human health, agriculture, and water resources. 

Increased Cyclonic Activity: Warmer ocean temperatures can fuel the intensification of cyclones, leading to more destructive storms. 

Sea Level Rise: Melting glaciers and ice sheets due to rising temperatures contribute to sea level rise, which can lead to coastal erosion, inundation of low-lying areas, and displacement of communities. 

Extreme Weather Events: Climate change is expected to exacerbate extreme weather events, including floods, droughts, heatwaves, and cyclones, leading to increased risks and vulnerabilities.

How do you interpret the addition of new Ramsar sites in India—particularly in coastal regions—in the broader context of marine conservation?

As of 2025, Ramsar Sites tally in India reaches 85 with 1.35 million hectares of dedicated land for Sustainable Ecosystem. Adding new coastal Ramsar sites in India significantly strengthens marine conservation efforts by recognizing and protecting vital coastal wetlands, which are crucial biodiversity hotspots and ecosystem services providers, while also contributing to international commitments for wetland conservation. These sites are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, and their designation as Ramsar sites helps to ensure their long-term protection.

The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty focused on wetland conservation, and designation as a Ramsar site brings international recognition and support for these areas. This can lead to increased funding, technical assistance, and international cooperation for conservation efforts. 

Coastal wetlands, including mangroves, estuaries, and lagoons, are rich in biodiversity, serving as crucial habitats for numerous species, including migratory birds, fish, and other marine life. Designation as Ramsar sites ensures the protection of these habitats and the species that depend on them.

Coastal wetlands play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem health and providing essential services like coastal protection, water purification, and nutrient cycling. Ramsar sites designation helps to ensure the long-term sustainability of these services. The Ramsar Convention’s focus on “wise use” of wetlands promotes sustainable development practices that benefit both people and the environment. By designating coastal areas as Ramsar sites, India can ensure that these valuable resources are managed sustainably for the long term.

What lessons can India take from other countries that are leading in marine conservation or coastal climate resilience?

The United Kingdom leads the world with 175 Ramsar sites followed by Mexico with 142 sites. India can learn from nations leading in marine conservation and coastal climate resilience by implementing strong policies, promoting community engagement, and investing in sustainable infrastructure and technology, while also fostering international cooperation.

The SDG-14 aims to sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems from pollution, as well as address the impacts of ocean acidification. Enhancing conservation and the sustainable use of ocean-based resources through international law will also help mitigate some of the challenges facing our oceans. Marine ecosystems such as estuaries, coral reefs, marshes, lagoon, sandy and rocky beaches, mangrove forests and sea-grass beds are all known for their high biological productivity, which provide a wide range of habitat for many aquatic flora and fauna. The marine biodiversity has so far been looked at as a source of commercial products instead of appreciating their ecological values and services. This has resulted in over exploitation and several species are now on the verge of extinction. The IPCC special report on ‘Climate change and Biodiversity’ projects adverse impacts of climate change on natural ecosystems, such as coral reefs, mangroves and wetlands.

The important issues to be tackled are: 

1. Management and protection of marine and coastal ecosystems
2. Controlling the Marine pollution, Impacts of ocean acidification
3. Elimination of overfishing, manage stocks scientifically
4. Conservation of coastal and marine areas
5. Prohibit harmful fisheries subsidies
6. Ensure economic benefits from sustainable use of marine resources (eg. Fisheries, aquaculture, tourism)
7. Access of artisanal fishers to resources and markets.

Public Awareness & Education

What do you believe is the biggest misconception the public holds about the ocean?

A common public misconception about the ocean is the idea that it’s a vast, bottomless, and endlessly resilient system, capable of absorbing any amount of pollution or damage without consequence. This misconception leads to a lack of urgency in addressing critical issues like plastic pollution, overfishing, climate change impacts on marine ecosystems, and habitat destruction. It can result in a failure to recognize the serious and far-reaching consequences of human actions on the ocean, such as ocean acidification, coral bleaching, and disruptions to marine food webs. The belief that the ocean can handle anything can lead to complacency and inaction, hindering efforts to protect and conserve marine environments. Promote ocean literacy and understanding of the ocean’s delicate ecosystems, the threats they face, and the importance of conservation.

How can marine science be made more accessible and engaging for students and the general public?

Promote Ocean Literacy: Raise awareness about the importance of marine ecosystems and the challenges they face through public education campaigns. Promote ocean literacy and understanding of the ocean’s delicate ecosystems, the threats they face, and the importance of conservation. Create platforms for people to share their experiences, perspectives, and concerns about the ocean. Ensure that information is available in multiple languages and formats to cater to diverse audiences. Engage with Indigenous communities and incorporate their traditional knowledge and perspectives on marine ecosystems. Develop outreach programs that specifically address the needs and interests of different demographics and communities. Employ compelling visuals, videos, and storytelling to make complex scientific concepts understandable and engaging.

Are there simple lifestyle changes individuals can adopt that would positively impact marine health?

To ensure the long-term health of our oceans, individuals can adopt straightforward lifestyle changes that collectively make a significant impact. Reducing plastic consumption, conserving water, and choosing sustainable seafood are key steps toward minimizing pollution and protecting marine life. Treating wastewater before releasing it into rivers, which ultimately flow into the sea, can greatly reduce harmful contaminants. Additionally, reducing carbon footprints through sustainable transportation and energy choices helps mitigate climate change, which is a growing threat to marine ecosystems. Supporting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture practices ensures that seafood harvesting doesn’t contribute to overfishing, which disrupts marine biodiversity. By being mindful of these practices, individuals can help safeguard the delicate balance of ocean ecosystems, promoting not only marine health but also the well-being of humans who rely on these resources for food, medicine, and livelihood.

Youth, Technology & the Future

What advice would you give to young researchers and students aspiring to work in marine science?

To thrive in marine science, young researchers and students should get involved, seek diverse experiences, network actively, and stay curious and adaptable, focusing on both practical skills and soft skills like communication and teamwork. Seek opportunities to volunteer or intern with marine-related organizations, aquariums, or research institutions to gain hands-on experience. If possible, enrol in diving programs to gain experience in underwater research and fieldwork.

Pursue a career in research, teaching, or academia, focusing on specific areas like marine biology, oceanography, or marine conservation. Work in marine conservation, fisheries management, or environmental policy to protect marine ecosystems. Explore opportunities in aquaculture, marine biotechnology, or environmental consulting.

How can emerging technologies (like satellite imaging, underwater drones, AI, etc.) be harnessed to support ocean conservation?

Emerging technologies like satellite imaging, underwater drones, and AI can significantly support ocean conservation by enabling real-time monitoring of marine ecosystems, tracking marine life, detecting illegal activities, and facilitating data-driven decision-making for better resource management and policy implementation.

Satellites can track changes in ocean currents, temperature, salinity, acidity, and pollution levels, providing a broad overview of ocean health.  Satellite imagery can be used to identify and track fishing vessels, helping to detect and deter illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities. Satellites can map coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other vital marine habitats, allowing for better understanding of their distribution and health. Satellite imagery can help track large-scale plastic pollution and other forms of marine debris, aiding in cleanup efforts and preventing further damage to marine ecosystems. Underwater drones (AUVs and ROVs) can explore deep-sea environments, mapping ecosystems, documenting biodiversity, and collecting data that is difficult or impossible to obtain through traditional methods.

AI algorithms can analyse large datasets from satellite imagery, underwater drones, and other sources to identify patterns, trends, and anomalies that might otherwise be missed. AI can be used to predict changes in ocean conditions, such as the timing and location of algal blooms or the movement of marine species. AI can be trained to identify marine species from images and videos, helping to track biodiversity and monitor populations.

Do you think citizen science can play a meaningful role in monitoring coastal and marine health?

Yes, citizen science can play a vital role in monitoring coastal and marine health by empowering communities to collect data, monitor species, and report on ecosystem changes, filling gaps in scientific research and increasing ocean literacy. Citizen science programs can significantly increase the number of observations, their spatial and temporal coverage, and the frequency of monitoring, which can be cost-effective. Citizen scientists can be among the first to detect changes in marine ecosystems, such as the appearance of invasive species or shifts in species distribution, enabling rapid responses. Citizen science can address data gaps in areas where traditional research methods are limited, such as in monitoring seagrass beds or the distribution of marine debris. Participating in marine citizen science can engage communities with the ocean, raise awareness about marine issues, and increase ocean literacy.

The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in Kochi actively promotes citizen science initiatives in marine fisheries research, using the mobile app “MARLIN@CMFRI” and other programs to engage the public in data collection and research efforts.

Personal Insight

What inspired your interest in marine biology and ecology?

Being a coastal city dweller we are often inspired to study marine science by a combination of factors, including a strong personal connection to the ocean, witnessing environmental challenges first-hand, and a desire to understand and protect the marine environment that sustains their communities. The vastness, power, and beauty of the ocean can evoke a sense of awe and wonder, sparking curiosity and a desire to learn more about this complex ecosystem. Living in a coastal city provides opportunities to observe marine life, tides, and weather patterns, which can foster a deeper appreciation for the ocean and its processes. Coastal cities often have a strong connection to the ocean, and this “sense of place” can create a powerful emotional connection that inspires people to protect their local marine environment. The presence of marine research institutions, universities, and industry in coastal areas also provided opportunities for education, research, and employment in the field of marine science.

Are there any personal experiences—on the field or in nature—that deeply shaped your environmental perspective?

Cochin (Kochi), with its location on the Arabian Sea coast, serves as a natural hub for marine and ocean studies, inspiring research and fostering a deep understanding of the Indian Ocean and its complexities. Kochi is home to the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), which conducts research on various aspects of oceanography and climate science. I was fortunate enough to get an opportunity to conduct research and dissertation work during the Bachelor Degree course in Zoology. The experience at NIO, Kochi where various research activities were conducted in the area of Oceanography and marine Sciences kindled the interest in taking up the research career in marine sciences.

If you could recommend one book or documentary on oceans, what would it be and why?

Marine Biology: Function, Biodiversity, Ecology by J.S. Levinton

Describes marine biology from a unique global and evolutionary perspective. Clear, thorough explanations written in a highly-engaging style that students actually enjoy reading. This book has a Principles-driven approach. It focuses on interaction of basic biological principles, makes the material digestible and governs the text’s three major themes: functional biology; biodiversity; and ecological processes.

The Blue Planet: Seas of Life and Deep Ocean Narrated by David Attenborough: It brings the natural world into our living rooms. 

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