Chandigarh 29 August-Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a
transformative force in healthcare but its growing power must be accompanied by ethics, accountability, clinical judgement and human compassion said *Prof. Vivek Lal* ,Director, PGIMER, while addressing the Sixth Foundation Day of the Department of GI Surgery,HPB and Liver transplant PGIMER, Chandigarh.

Delivering the keynote address as the Chief Guest, *Prof. Lal* described AI as “ *the new nuclear power”,* emphasising that its enormous potential can benefit patients only when harnessed responsibly and judiciously.

“ *AI is the new nuclear power. If nuclear power is used in the wrong way, then you are going to have Hiroshima and Nagasaki soon. Ethics is absolutely mandatory if we have to use AI for a good cause, for an enlightened purpose,”* Prof. Lal said.

He underlined that AI should be regarded as a powerful aid to clinical decision-making rather than a substitute for the experience and judgement of doctors. Recalling his own long clinical experience, *Prof. Lal described himself humorously as a “dinosaur” who continues to believe in “NI—Natural Intelligence.”* He said that the rigorous training and experience acquired at PGIMER give its doctors an important advantage.

“ *Experience is something that AI cannot replicate. It kicks you, it hits you hard and it hits you where it hurts the most—and you gain experience from it,”* he remarked.

*Prof. Lal* also raised an important emerging ethical and legal question concerning AI in healthcare: when an AI-assisted clinical decision goes wrong, who bears responsibility? Referring to a recent legal matter in which questions had arisen regarding the possible use of AI in a clinical case, he said such situations underline the need for clear ethical and accountability frameworks as AI becomes increasingly integrated into medicine.

“ *Everyone uses AI in one form or the other, but we have to understand how to evaluate it rationally. Gulam na bano AI ke—do not become a slave to AI,”* he cautioned.

At the same time, Prof. Lal acknowledged that AI offers clinicians a significant technological edge. *Referring to AI-generated visualisations and applications demonstrated during the programme, he observed that the technology is already making an impact on modern healthcare and surgical practice. However, he stressed that the strongest outcomes would emerge from the combination of advanced technology with sound clinical foundations and experience.

*Prof. Lal* particularly commended the Department of Surgical Gastroenterology for its sustained performance despite the enormous clinical burden at PGIMER. Pointing out that the Institute has an annual patient footfall of around 35 lakh, he said the Department's achievements must be viewed against the demanding environment in which its doctors work.

“ *You have to look at the background against which you are generating this fantastic data. We are in PGI Chandigarh, which has an annual footfall of 35 lakh patients, and in that chaotic and tough environment you continue to deliver. You deserve all credit for that, and your students deserve all credit for that,* ” he said.

*Prof. Lal* also praised the Department's faculty and residents for their commitment and highlighted the capabilities of the younger generation of doctors at PGIMER. He said the enthusiasm and competence of the Institute's Gen Z doctors reflected the strength of its academic and clinical environment.

The Chief Guest further emphasised that human emotion remains one of the fundamental qualities that AI cannot reproduce.

“ *That is what AI lacks—emotion. And that is what a natural human being has in abundance,” he said, reinforcing the importance of compassion in patient care.*

*Department’s Six-Year Journey and Clinical Achievements*

Speaking on the occasion, *Prof. Rajesh Gupta* , Head, Department of GI Surgery ,HPB and Liver Transplant PGIMER, said that the Department was established as an independent department on August 4, 2020. Its journey, however, began with the establishment of the Division of Surgical Gastroenterology in 2004, followed by the commencement of the MCh programme in 2005. Over the past six years, the Department has continued to grow in the areas of patient care, teaching, research and advanced surgical services.

Presenting the Department's annual clinical performance, *Prof. Gupta* highlighted the wide spectrum and complexity of procedures undertaken during the past year. While the initial procedures have largely involved relatively simpler surgeries, the programme marks an important beginning towards expanding robotic gastrointestinal surgery at PGIMER.

Its academic and research activities have also continued to grow, with eight scientific papers published during the past year.


*Dr. G. V. Rao Delivers Second JD Wig* *Foundation Day Talk*

A major highlight of the programme was the *Second JD Wig* Foundation Day Talk, delivered by *Dr. G. V. Rao,* Director, Institute of Gastroenterology, Hyderabad, and Chief of Surgical Gastroenterology, Minimally Invasive Surgery, GI Oncology, Robotic Surgery and Transplantation Services.

*Dr. Rao is recognised as a pioneer in minimally invasive and hybrid endoscopic surgery and has made landmark contributions to scarless surgery. He is credited with performing the world's first transoral endoscopic appendectomy and is a co-founder of AIG Hospitals.* He has contributed extensively to clinical care, academics, research and innovation, with more than 200 scientific publications to his credit. *He was conferred the Padma Shri last year and is also a recipient of the Dr. B. C. Roy Medical Award.*

*Prof. Rao* discussed the expanding applications of AI in Gastro Sciences, including its role in diagnosis, endoscopy, imaging, surgery, disease prediction and precision medicine. *He highlighted how AI can help analyse large and complex datasets, assist in identifying lesions, improve targeted biopsies, support prediction of clinical outcomes and enhance surgical safety.*


He further underlined the potential of AI to transform healthcare from conventional population-based approaches towards more personalised and patient-centric care. At the same time, he stressed the need for ethical implementation, robust data systems, standardisation, validation, privacy safeguards and appropriate regulatory frameworks.

*Dr. Adarsh Chaudhary,* Chairman, GI Surgery, GI Oncology, Bariatric Surgery and Gastro Sciences, Medanta, Gurugram, shared his personal memories of Prof. J. D. Wig and highlighted the profound influence of mentors in shaping the professional and personalw lives of young doctors. He recalled how the lessons of integrity, responsibility and the pursuit of knowledge received from his teachers continue to guide him throughout his career.

*Dr. Shailesh V. Shrikhande* , CEO, Tata Cancer Care, Mumbai, spoke about his long association with PGIMER and appreciated the growth of the Department of GI Surgery HPB & liver transplant He particularly lauded the contribution of Prof. *Rajesh Gupta* in advancing the Department through objective clinical work, academic excellence, research and the encouragement of young professionals.

*Dr. Surinder Rana,* Professor, Department of Gastroenterology, PGIMER, presented the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all the distinguished guests, speakers, faculty members and delegates. He also paid tribute to the enduring legacy of *Prof. J. D. Wig ,* whose commitment to excellence, mentorship, dedication and service continues to inspire generations, with a collective resolve to carry forward his vision and values in the field of medicine and medical education.