Prior to commencing my journey into medical school, I passed by a government hospital on a daily basis. It claimed to provide “free treatment,” yet even as a teenager, I grasped the illusion—care was minimal. Observing the same man lingering outside that establishment for days, while the loudspeaker announced names without success, left me with vivid impressions that stayed with me.

My visit to an NGO centered on menstrual and reproductive health was equally striking, revealing a significant lack of knowledge among women regarding menstruation, hygiene, and safe sex. This absence of education and access resulted in preventable conditions becoming unavoidable, heightening the risk of infections and enduring health complications.

While shadowing in a rural hospital, I witnessed patients being overlooked, such as an elderly man, who was isolated and grappling with the healthcare system—a clear indication of the challenges faced by rural healthcare personnel and facilities.

The widespread silence surrounding these matters meant that serious issues went unnoticed. However, AI is emerging as a glimmer of hope, helping to bridge gaps in healthcare. Solutions like Qure.ai and platforms such as Babyl and Aidoc provide transformative options, although they rely on infrastructure that may not always be accessible to those in greatest need.

Worldwide, more than 2 billion individuals lack vital health services, with rural areas being the most affected. Yet, the divide is not solely medical; it also resides in how we listen to and engage with the underserved.

Promising initiatives encompass task-shifting to community health workers, telemedicine connecting rural areas to urban specialists, utilization of mobile messaging for health education, solar-powered mobile clinics, and home care facilitated by community health workers—all measures that directly reach at-risk populations.

These experiences have shaped my aspiration to become a doctor, not just to address health issues but to acknowledge and connect with patients beyond their diagnoses. It is about addressing the silence and ensuring that those who are often overlooked receive attention, paving the way for a more compassionate healthcare future.

Maanyata Mantri is a medical student.