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Rachel V Thomas

Times Now Health Summit 2026: AI Cannot Replace Doctors, It Can Only Complement, Says Dr Santosh Sivaranjani

As <span>artificial intelligence</span> (AI) continues to transform healthcare worldwide, concerns about technology replacing doctors remain a topic of debate.

Dr. <span>Santosh Sivaranjani</span>, popularly known as "The ORS Lady of India," addressed these concerns at the <span>Times Now India Health Summit</span> 2026 – South Edition in Hyderabad.

The renowned pediatrician and social activist emphasized that AI can only assist doctors and cannot replace the core human qualities that define medical care.

Dr. <span>Sivaranjani</span> acknowledged that doctors are increasingly embracing innovations such as artificial intelligence to improve patient care and health education. However, she stressed that technology has clear limitations.

"No matter how much AI advances, it can only complement us. It cannot replace the human touch, clinical acumen, or the genuine empathy that doctors have towards their patients," she said. "We should be proud of being doctors" because such qualities cannot be replicated by machines, she said.

<h2>The Privilege and Challenge of Being a Doctor in India</h2>

Speaking before an audience of healthcare professionals, Dr. Sivaranjani also highlighted the unique challenges and rewards of being a doctor in India. She described the profession as both a privilege and an extraordinary challenge, citing the immense patient load, demanding work schedules, and personal sacrifices made by medical professionals every day.

"Our journey demands countless sleepless nights, missed birthdays, missed anniversaries, and even caring for other patients when our own loved ones are unwell," she said. "Yet the moment we see a patient recover and smile, all those sacrifices seem worthwhile."

<h2>Changing Perceptions of the Medical Profession</h2>

Dr. Sivaranjani also reflected on the changing perception of doctors in India. She noted that physicians were once regarded with deep respect and seen as pillars of strength during families' most difficult moments. While many doctors continue to uphold these values, she expressed concern that rising healthcare costs and changing public expectations have altered doctor-patient relationships.

"Most doctors work to the best of their ability and according to their conscience, not to please patients but to provide the right treatment," she said.

<h2>Concerns Over the Consumer Protection Act</h2>

The pediatrician further highlighted concerns about the inclusion of doctors under the Consumer Protection Act, arguing that it has contributed to a more defensive doctor-patient relationship.

"Medicine often requires difficult and sometimes risky decisions to save lives. However, fear of legal consequences can make doctors hesitant to take those necessary risks," she said.

<h2>Rebuilding Trust Through Empathy and Ethics</h2>

Calling for efforts to rebuild public trust, Dr. Sivaranjani urged medical professionals to prioritize empathy, transparency, ethical practice, and patient education. She emphasized that medicine is not only a science but also an art that requires compassion and effective communication.

"The moment a patient enters your consultation room, half of their illness should disappear because of the confidence and reassurance you provide," she said. "Arrogance has no place in our profession."

She also stressed the need to strengthen public healthcare infrastructure to ensure equitable access to quality medical services across the country.

Concluding her address, Dr. Sivaranjani paid tribute to healthcare workers across India for their dedication and resilience.

"It is a privilege to be a doctor in this great country and to make a difference in so many lives," she said. "At the same time, it is an extraordinary challenge to protect ourselves from violence, navigate legal pressures, and help people understand that we are here not to please them, but to heal them."

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As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform healthcare worldwide, concerns about technology replacing doctors remain a topic of debate. Dr. Santosh Sivaranjani, popularly known as "The ORS Lady of India," addressed these concerns at the Times Now India Health Summit 2026 – South Edition in Hyderabad.The renowned pediatrician and social activist emphasized that AI can only assist doctors and cannot replace the core human qualities that define medical care.Dr. Sivaranjani acknowledged that doctors are increasingly embracing innovations such as artificial intelligence to improve patient care and health education. However, she stressed that technology has clear limitations."No matter how much AI advances, it can only complement us. It cannot replace the human touch, clinical acumen, or the genuine empathy that doctors have towards their patients," she said. "We should be proud of being doctors" because such qualities cannot be replicated by machines, she said.The Privilege and Challenge of Being a Doctor in IndiaSpeaking before an audience of healthcare professionals, Dr. Sivaranjani also highlighted the unique challenges and rewards of being a doctor in India. She described the profession as both a privilege and an extraordinary challenge, citing the immense patient load, demanding work schedules, and personal sacrifices made by medical professionals every day."Our journey demands countless sleepless nights, missed birthdays, missed anniversaries, and even caring for other patients when our own loved ones are unwell," she said. "Yet the moment we see a patient recover and smile, all those sacrifices seem worthwhile."Changing Perceptions of the Medical ProfessionDr. Sivaranjani also reflected on the changing perception of doctors in India. She noted that physicians were once regarded with deep respect and seen as pillars of strength during families' most difficult moments. While many doctors continue to uphold these values, she expressed concern that rising healthcare costs and changing public expectations have altered doctor-patient relationships."Most doctors work to the best of their ability and according to their conscience, not to please patients but to provide the right treatment," she said.Concerns Over the Consumer Protection ActThe pediatrician further highlighted concerns about the inclusion of doctors under the Consumer Protection Act, arguing that it has contributed to a more defensive doctor-patient relationship."Medicine often requires difficult and sometimes risky decisions to save lives. However, fear of legal consequences can make doctors hesitant to take those necessary risks," she said.Rebuilding Trust Through Empathy and EthicsCalling for efforts to rebuild public trust, Dr. Sivaranjani urged medical professionals to prioritize empathy, transparency, ethical practice, and patient education. She emphasized that medicine is not only a science but also an art that requires compassion and effective communication."The moment a patient enters your consultation room, half of their illness should disappear because of the confidence and reassurance you provide," she said. "Arrogance has no place in our profession."She also stressed the need to strengthen public healthcare infrastructure to ensure equitable access to quality medical services across the country.Concluding her address, Dr. Sivaranjani paid tribute to healthcare workers across India for their dedication and resilience."It is a privilege to be a doctor in this great country and to make a difference in so many lives," she said. "At the same time, it is an extraordinary challenge to protect ourselves from violence, navigate legal pressures, and help people understand that we are here not to please them, but to heal them."

times now health summit 2026: ai cannot replace doctors, it can only complement, says dr santosh sivaranjani

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