“In God we trust. All others must bring data.” This well-known quote by W Edwards Deming, a prominent statistician and management theorist, underscores the importance of data-driven, evidence-based decision-making over reliance on assumptions or opinions. In healthcare, this is especially relevant. Too often, we rely blindly on existing systems and protocols without verifying their performance. However, capturing high-quality, granular data in a timely manner can significantly enhance the effectiveness of health policies.

As a state with enviably high health indices, we are in a position where we need to innovate disruptive ways of pushing the bar of quality healthcare. By "disruptive," we mean approaches that go beyond traditional methods of healthcare delivery. One of the most promising ways to achieve this is by investing heavily in health data collection and leveraging the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The output of both conventional statistics and AI models depends entirely on the quality of the data input. While AI can self-train to some extent, the value of its insights hinges on the richness and accuracy of the data it receives. Hence, the emphasis must be on the collection of quality data, a process that should be continuous, well-funded and supported by strong policy frameworks at the government level. Such data can help in realistically identifying the healthcare needs specific to the state.

To make this a reality, every major medical institution in the state should be equipped with AI-enabled "data labs." These labs would be responsible for acquiring, processing, and transmitting data from their own institutions and nearby feeder centres to a centralised state health system. These labs should have adequate data managers and social investigators. These facilities could even be outsourced, like the way the Passport services are outsourced.

Although some centres are already taking steps in this direction, the magnitude of data that the state misses out by not implementing it across all major medical institutions is humongous. In other words, currently we are tapping only a minuscule of the available health information, a rough estimate being way less than 1%. This is where disruption needs to happen. If the current data capture is 1%, this needs to jump to at least 20%. The output and revenue generation will be huge.

Why does increasing data collection matter, especially when we already have some data? The answer lies in representativeness and precision. The more comprehensive the data, the better it reflects the actual health needs of the population. This enables targeted interventions, more accurate policy-making, and opens up opportunities in research, bioinformatics, AI and the pharmaceutical industry - leading to job creation and economic growth.

As we know, the socio-demographic profile of Kerala does not match the rest of the country in most parameters and hence our data should be the basis for our policies. India is making rapid strides in the digitisation of health records through initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), the U-Win portal, Aarogya Setu, and the Digital Health Incentive Scheme (DHIS). However, leveraging data from these platforms for research and innovation is still in its infancy. Since more than 60% of Indian patients depend on private healthcare facilities, it is essential that private healthcare data is integrated into state and national digital ecosystems to ensure a comprehensive view for a progressive state like Kerala.

One critical area requiring immediate investment is the ethical use of health data. The potential for misuse is high. Without stringent controls, data can be exploited, leading to biased policies that benefit only a few.

In conclusion, the future belongs to those who harness the power of data for the betterment of humanity. Data is power.

Epilogue: While we have focused here on healthcare, demographic, and clinical data, perhaps the most revolutionary frontier lies in genomic data. Personalised medicine - particularly in cancer care, will be dramatically shaped by genetic insights. Though establishing biobanks and capturing genomic data requires significant investment, the long-term benefits make it a pursuit well worth the effort.