'Robots may perform surgeries in future'

Convergence of technologies can lead to quality and affordable healthcare to many, said APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India, who was in the city to launch a tele-robot named ‘Chitti’, in monitoring the Neuro Intensive Care Unit at Sri Ramachandra University on Saturday.

The former President said that a robot can help in many interventions in the ICU by providing a more cleaner environment to the patients. Speaking about convergence of technology, he said that the convergence of nano, bio and information technologies hold a great promise for the future health care delivery, especially in the rural and remote areas. He further said that a new science called intelligent bioscience will be born with the linking of material convergence and biotechnology. It will not only provide a disease-free, happy life, but also lead to the invention of nano robots, which when injected into a patient, can diagnose the affected areas and give treatment. The nano robots get digested in the body itself. He added that though robots are controlled by doctors and surgeons now, in the future there will be robots that will perform small surgeries on  patients. “They are simple smart instruments. Doctors have to use it,” he said.

Kalam emphasised  generosity, pure ethics, tolerance, perseverance and concentration to become a successful health personnel.