Microsoft and Apollo Hospitals join to create AI focused network

Microsoft and healthcare major Apollo Hospitals have teamed up to create an artificial intelligence-focused network in cardiology.

The partnership between Microsoft and Apollo will work to develop and deploy new machine learning models to predict patient risk for heart disease and assist doctors on treatment plans, the companies said in a joint statement.

Commenting on the development, Microsoft AI and Research Corporate vice president Peter Lee said, ''Our unique partnership with Apollo brings together our learnings in artificial intelligence and machine learning areas and Apollo's experience and expertise in cardiology.''

He added that Artificial Intelligence (AI) Network for healthcare aimed to democratise artificial intelligence by empowering healthcare providers with faster, intuitive and predictable solutions and reducing the disease burden, he added.

''This collaboration with Microsoft's path-breaking technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning will help better predict, prevent and manage heart disease in the country,'' Apollo Hospitals joint MD Sangita Reddy said.

''Cardiac disease is amongst India's leading causes of mortality and morbidity, which is exacting a toll on the health and well-being of our citizens,'' Reddy said.

The AI Network for Healthcare, which is part of Microsoft's Healthcare NExT initiative, will focus on accelerating healthcare innovation through AI and cloud computing.

Under the partnership, Microsoft and Apollo will develop and deploy new machine-learning models to predict patient risk for heart disease and assist doctors with treatment plans. The team is currently working on an AI-powered Cardio Application Programme Interface platform.

The Hindu reported, quoting Lee, ''The systems of intelligence we create can change the lives of patients and the work of medical practitioners enabling accessible healthcare to all.''