Questions & explanations
1. Consider the following statements regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare in India:
1. AI is being used to detect diabetic retinopathy through retinal scans.
2. The AI-powered tool 'qXR' is used for predicting tuberculosis in chest X-rays.
3. The National Health Stack includes AI as a core component for all public health services.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 2 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only
AI is being used in India for diabetic retinopathy detection via retinal imaging (Statement 1 is correct). The AI-powered tool 'qXR' (by Qure.ai) is widely used for predicting tuberculosis in chest X-rays (Statement 2 is correct). However, AI is not explicitly defined as a core component for *all* public health services within the National Health Stack (now Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission), though it is an enabling technology that can be integrated for various applications (Statement 3 is incorrect). Therefore, statements 1 and 2 are correct.
2. Consider the following statements regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare in India:
1. AI is being used to predict disease outbreaks using real-time health data.
2. The National Health Stack includes AI-based tools for patient triage.
3. AI-powered diagnostic tools are fully regulated by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 1 only
Statement 1 is correct — AI is being used to predict disease outbreaks using real-time surveillance data (e.g., integrated IDSP data). Statement 2 is false — the National Health Stack is an architectural framework; it does not enumerate specific AI triage tools as deployed components. Statement 3 is false — AI diagnostic tools are not 'fully regulated' by CDSCO; their regulatory classification under MDR 2017 is still being operationalised. Only Statement 1 is correct, matching option (c).
3. Consider the following statements regarding the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM): 1. ABDM promotes the use of FHIR standards for health data interoperability. 2. ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) provides a unique health ID that is voluntary for citizens. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Statement 1 is correct: ABDM (formerly National Digital Health Mission) uses FHIR standards for data exchange. Statement 2 is correct: ABDM issues a unique health ID (ABHA) for each citizen. Statement 3 is incorrect: While ABDM aims for interoperability, it does not yet ensure complete interoperability between all hospitals due to varying levels of adoption and technical challenges.
4. A hospital in a remote area wants to perform a complex surgery with the help of a specialist in a city. Which of the following technologies is most essential for this?
- (a) 5G network for low-latency communication
- (b) A locally available da Vinci robot
- (c) A satellite internet connection
- (d) A dedicated landline for video conferencing
Answer: (a) 5G network for low-latency communication
For tele-surgery, a low-latency, high-bandwidth network is critical to transmit the surgeon's commands and receive video feedback without noticeable delay. 5G offers the required low latency (under 10 ms). Satellite internet may have high latency, and landline is insufficient. A robot is needed, but it can be at the remote site; the specialist controls it remotely.
5. Consider the following statements regarding continuous blood pressure monitors (CBPM) as wearables:
1. CBPM can provide ambulatory blood pressure monitoring over 24 hours.
2. CBPM readings are always more accurate than traditional cuff measurements.
3. CBPM can help diagnose white-coat hypertension.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 1 and 3 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only
Statement 1 is correct: CBPM devices can monitor blood pressure continuously over 24 hours. Statement 2 is incorrect: CBPM may have accuracy issues and are not always more accurate than standard cuffs. Statement 3 is correct: By measuring BP in daily life, CBPM can detect white-coat hypertension (elevated BP only in clinical settings).
6. Which of the following best explains why CoWIN is considered a 'Digital Public Good' (DPG)?
- (a) It is owned by the Government of India and used only within India
- (b) It is open-source, free to use, and can be adapted by other countries
- (c) It generates revenue through certificate fees
- (d) It uses proprietary algorithms for data security
Answer: (b) It is open-source, free to use, and can be adapted by other countries
A Digital Public Good is open-source, respects privacy, and is freely available for others to use and adapt. CoWIN's source code is publicly available, and several countries (e.g., Philippines, Indonesia) have adopted or adapted it for their vaccination drives. It does not charge fees (c) and is not proprietary (d).
7. Which of the following is a major challenge in the widespread adoption of wearable-based remote patient monitoring in India?
- (a) High accuracy of devices
- (b) Lack of internet connectivity in rural areas
- (c) Overabundance of trained healthcare professionals
- (d) Low cost of devices
Answer: (b) Lack of internet connectivity in rural areas
Internet connectivity is essential for transmitting data from wearables to healthcare providers. In rural India, poor internet access is a significant barrier. Options (a) and (d) are not challenges; high accuracy and low cost would help adoption. Option (c) is false; there is a shortage of healthcare professionals.
8. Which of the following is a key benefit of data portability in EHR systems?
- (a) Patients can easily transfer their health records between different healthcare providers
- (b) Hospitals can sell patient data to third parties
- (c) Doctors can access patient data without consent
- (d) EHR systems become immune to cyberattacks
Answer: (a) Patients can easily transfer their health records between different healthcare providers
Data portability allows patients to obtain and reuse their health data across different services. This empowers patients to switch providers or seek second opinions without losing medical history. Options (b) and (c) violate privacy laws. Option (d) is false; portability does not guarantee immunity from attacks.
9. With reference to AI in healthcare, consider the following statements:
1. AI models trained on Indian health data may exhibit bias due to underrepresentation of rural populations.
2. The use of AI in diagnostics is currently prohibited in India under the Medical Devices Rules, 2017.
3. The National Digital Health Mission encourages the use of AI for early detection of diseases like tuberculosis.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 3 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
Statement 1 is correct: AI models trained on non-representative data can lead to bias. Statement 3 is correct: ABDM and NDHM promote AI for early disease detection. Statement 2 is incorrect: AI-based diagnostic tools are permitted under the Medical Devices Rules, 2017, as software as a medical device (SaMD).
10. Consider the following statements about CoWIN as a DPG:
1. CoWIN's source code is available on a public repository.
2. CoWIN uses a proprietary database system that cannot be replicated.
3. CoWIN's adoption by other countries requires India's permission.
Which of the statements above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: CoWIN's source code is open-source and available on platforms like GitHub. Statement 2 is incorrect: CoWIN uses open-source components and can be replicated. Statement 3 is incorrect: As a DPG, it is freely available without needing India's permission, though support may be provided.
11. Consider the following:
1. IHIP data is used for outbreak prediction analytics.
2. IDSP is a legal mandate under the Epidemic Diseases Act.
3. IHIP allows integration with animal health surveillance for One Health approach.
Which of the statements above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Statement 1 is correct: IHIP data feeds into predictive models. Statement 2 is incorrect: IDSP is not a legal mandate under the Epidemic Diseases Act; it is a program. Statement 3 is correct: IHIP is designed to integrate with animal health data for a One Health approach, especially for zoonotic diseases.
12. What is the primary purpose of the Kilkari mobile health service in India?
- (a) To provide tele-consultation with doctors
- (b) To deliver weekly audio messages about pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare
- (c) To track vaccination schedules via SMS
- (d) To offer free medicines to pregnant women
Answer: (b) To deliver weekly audio messages about pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare
Kilkari is a mobile health (mHealth) programme that sends weekly audio messages to registered pregnant women and new mothers, covering key health topics like nutrition, danger signs, and immunization. It is part of the Ministry of Health's initiative to improve maternal and child health outcomes.