By Prathiba Raju & Prarthana Sharma
Gurgaon: Diagnostics play an essential role in detecting, managing, and preventing diseases, especially in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. As public health challenges become increasingly complex, there is a growing demand for innovative and accessible diagnostic tools. At the third edition of the India Diagnostics Summit, Dr Raj Shankar Ghosh, Senior Advisor at the Centre for Environment Health, Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), shared valuable insights on the importance and impact of diagnostics research and development on public health.
Stressing that diagnostics are the backbone of disease surveillance, control, and prevention strategies, Dr Ghosh informed that diagnsotics must be available, affordable, and properly integrated with wider public health systems. He introduced the concept of SMART diagnostics, which are Sustainable, Mobile, Affordable, Rapid, and Technology-driven, emphasised that these features are crucial for implementing diagnostics in diverse settings, especially in resource-limited environments.
Highlighting how diagnostics could be integrated into public health programs using the SMART framework. He urged the need for sustainable diagnostic tools designed for long-term use in various cultural and environmental contexts. Mobile diagnostics, he noted, are vital for reaching remote populations and ensuring they receive necessary medical care.
Talking about cost-effective solutions and technology integration, he said, “Cost-effective diagnostic solutions are essential for ensuring equitable access to technology in resource-limited settings.”
He underscored the importance of time-efficient diagnostics in reducing disease burden through rapid recommendations, and discussed the advancements in radiology and real-time sensing devices, which enhance diagnostic processes and accuracy.
Analyzing the factors influencing the cost-effectiveness and impact of diagnostics on public health, such as the accuracy of screening tests and the costs of false positives/negatives, Dr Ghosh advocated for dynamic models that consider disease frequency, prevalence, and follow-up medical expenses. Additionally, he stressed the importance of social considerations in diagnostic evaluations.
“Affordability is a key aspect of making diagnostics a public good. Dr. Ghosh mentioned that advancements in genome sequencing could significantly reduce future R&D problems. He also highlighted the need to document and scale AI-integrated diagnostics across the country,” he stated.
Also, pointed out that groundbreaking technologies are revolutionising public health, he said,”Biosensors and companion diagnostics offer precise, personalised solutions. Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and multiplex testing provide comprehensive information on multiple pathogens, enhancing diagnostic accuracy. Digital pathology and AI further boost diagnostic efficiency, while real-time sensors and wearables enable continuous health monitoring and timely interventions.”
Dr. Ghosh concluded by emphasizing the importance of expanding access to SMART diagnostics in public health initiatives. Focusing on sustainability, mobility, affordability, rapidity, and transparency, diagnostics can continue to evolve and meet the diverse demands of global health systems, ultimately enhancing public health and global population health.
