Interview/ Siddharth Bagga, head (retail, CPG and health care), Google Cloud
AT THE WEEK Health Summit, Siddharth Bagga, head (retail, CPG and health care), Google Cloud, elaborated on the significant work that Google has been doing in health care through artificial intelligence (AI). After an insightful session, Bagga, who has been with Google for close to five years, joined us for a quick chat. Excerpts:
Q/ Health care represents 30 per cent of the world’s data. How does Google ensure that the data is not breached?
A/ From the outset, Google integrates security into all its products, emphasising the protection of personal health information. We ensure that the data you use on Android phones, Fitbit watches, and other devices remain solely yours. Extensive consent management is also in place, so users, not companies, control how data is shared. At Google Cloud, we work closely with customers like Apollo and Manipal, placing data at the core of their operations…. Security is foundational to everything we do on Google Cloud. For example, all data on Google Cloud is encrypted by default. Additionally, we offer tools that enable de-identification and synthesis of data for AI, ensuring robust security for patient health information and preventing data leaks.
Google Cloud has never faced a cybersecurity breach. We have maintained a strong record of protecting user data. This commitment to security extends to our wearables as well.
Q/ When it comes to wearables, some say it might lead to certain kind of obsession among people where they set unrealistic goals.
A/ I don’t think so. Wearables have goals that are ultimately set by the user. They are tools that empower you to take better control of your health. It is really about understanding your personal health data in a more effective way to lead a healthier life. By exercising more, tracking nutrients more accurately, and monitoring your habits, wearables can help reduce risks associated with conditions like diabetes.
A few years ago, we collaborated with Manipal Hospital and Fitbit to support patients recovering from orthopaedic and cardiac surgeries. It helped doctors monitor and guide patients’ health more closely after discharge, addressing a key challenge in outpatient care.
Q/ Is Google looking at apps that can reduce stress, or usher in mindfulness?
A/ Mental health is a huge issue in India. About six months ago, Apollo Hospitals partnered with Google to launch a mental health screening tool specifically for India. This tool allows users to perform a mental health self-assessment directly on Google Search. Through simple radio-button responses to questions like, ‘How are you feeling’ or ‘Have you felt depressed?’, users can gain a better understanding of their mental health status. Making this tool available on a widely used platform like Google Search is a significant step because that is where people look for information. Beyond this initiative, we have also integrated various mental health tools into our products.
Q/ Will Google’s advancements in health care lead to more jobs in medical science?
A/ Skilling in AI is significant area of development. It is not about AI competing with us; rather, it is about how we can leverage AI to enhance our work. AI can handle 20-30 per cent of repetitive tasks with up to 90 per cent more efficiency. This is true across industries, especially in health care…. A shift will focus on improving skills…. Think of it as a supportive system that works alongside a doctor.
Developing such a system requires engineers, researchers and professionals in various roles, creating a broad pipeline of skill development.