MANIPAL HOSPITALS ANNOUNCES NATIONAL LAUNCH OF IBM WATSON FOR ONCOLOGY

Manipal Hospitals has announced IBM Watson for Oncology, a cognitive computing platform, is now in use by oncologists at six locations in the Manipal Hospitals network to provide information and insights to physicians to help them identify personalized, evidence-based cancer care options across India. Manipal oncologists can access IBM Watson for Oncology for patients with breast, colorectal and lung cancer that are registered with a Manipal facility pan-India including: Goa covering West India, Jaipur covering North, Vijayawada covering East, South and rest of the country covered by the three Manipal hospitals in Bangalore.

 Manipal Hospitals further announced the introduction of an expert second opinion cancer care consulting service. Individuals across India who have received a cancer diagnosis but are not a Manipal patient can access a Manipal oncologist for an expert second opinion tele-consult within 72hours by logging onto the Manipal online consult portal and/or by sending an SMS with the subject line ‘WATSON’ to #56363, from the 5^th of  August 2016.

Watson for Oncology, a cognitive computing platform trained by Memorial Sloan-Kettering, analyses data to provide information and insights regarding evidence-based treatment options, to help oncologists provide cancer patients with individualized healthcare. On December 2015, Manipal Hospitals announced its intent to adopt Watson for Oncology, making this the first deployment of Watson in India and the first engagement of its kind as the country advances its efforts to transform healthcare. 

“The introduction of Watson for Oncology will be a game changer for cancer patients across the country. With Watson, Manipal oncologists can make an informed treatment decisions for patients based on insights derived from the individuals’ unique health status, the latest medical research and other relevant data,” said Dr. Ajay Bakshi, MD & CEO, Manipal Hospitals. “With the launch of the Manipal expert opinion service, we are also open to partnering with other hospitals and medical consultants who seek to benefit from Watson for Oncology or individuals who have received a cancer diagnosis and wish to seek the advice of a Manipal doctor.”