New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently offered a humorous take on the growing habit of people turning to artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT before consulting a doctor.
Speaking at an event, Singh used the phrase “dhuk dhuk” to describe the kind of symptom-related concern that people may try to diagnose themselves online. His light-hearted remark highlighted a serious issue surrounding the increasing use of AI for health-related information.
Rajnath Singh’s Light-Hearted Remark
Singh’s comments drew attention to the changing way people search for answers about their health. Instead of immediately visiting a doctor, many people now search symptoms online or ask AI-powered chatbots for possible explanations.
His humorous reference to “dhuk dhuk” reflected how easily everyday symptoms can lead people into seeking instant digital answers.
The remark was made in a lighter vein, but it also underlined the limitations of relying on technology for medical decisions.
ChatGPT and the Changing Patient Behaviour
AI tools have become increasingly accessible, allowing users to ask questions about symptoms, medicines and possible medical conditions within seconds.
For many people, such tools can be useful for understanding medical terminology, preparing questions for a doctor or learning about general health topics.
However, AI-generated information does not replace a clinical examination, medical history or diagnostic tests. The same symptom can have several possible causes, and determining the actual cause often requires professional assessment.
Why Doctors Still Matter
A doctor can evaluate a patient’s symptoms in context, conduct a physical examination and recommend appropriate tests when necessary. They can also consider factors that may not be available to an AI chatbot, including a patient’s medical history and other clinical findings.
This makes professional medical consultation particularly important when symptoms are severe, persistent, unusual or getting worse.
A Humorous Comment With a Serious Message
Singh’s “dhuk dhuk” reference resonated with a broader debate about how AI should be used in healthcare.
Rather than treating AI as a replacement for doctors, experts generally view such technology as a supplementary tool that can help people access and understand information.
The episode serves as a reminder that while technology can provide quick answers, quick answers are not necessarily medical diagnoses.
As AI becomes more deeply integrated into everyday life, the challenge will be to use these tools responsibly—benefiting from their ability to explain information while recognising when it is time to consult a qualified medical professional.
