Latest news with #P4
Observer
2 hours ago
- Health
- Observer
The ethics of using AI to predict patient choices
I recently attended a conference on bioethics in Switzerland where professionals from different countries met to discuss recent topics in medical ethics which was the main theme of this year's conference. Among the highlights of the meeting were several talks about the inclusion of Artificial Intelligence in decision-making and its ethical impact. What caught my attention was a talk about Personalised Patient Preference Predictor, or P4, which is a tool that aims to predict an individual patient's preferences for healthcare, using machine learning. The idea is that in situations where a person is incapacitated — for example, found unconscious with no advance directive — the AI would comb through their digital footprint, including tweets, Instagram and Facebook posts, and possibly even emails, to infer their likely wishes. The system would then create a virtual copy of the individual's personality, known as a 'psychological twin,' which would communicate decisions to the medical team on the person's behalf. While this concept is technologically fascinating, it raises several pressing ethical concerns. First, it assumes that our social media presence accurately reflects our core values and long-term preferences. However, people's views are dynamic and influenced by their emotional state, life experiences, and personal growth. A sarcastic tweet or a momentary opinion shared online may not represent someone's actual end-of-life wishes. Second, the use of AI risks introducing or amplifying bias — especially against the elderly and individuals from ethnic or religious minorities. AI systems often generalise from large datasets, which can lead to 'one-size-fits-all' assumptions that disregard cultural, spiritual, or personal nuances. Another critical question is: can AI truly understand or navigate the emotional and moral complexity of disagreements among family members and healthcare providers? Would it possess the empathy required to mediate a delicate conversation, or would it deliver cold logic such as: 'Grandpa is too old, his survival chances are low, so resources would be better allocated elsewhere'? Furthermore, relying on AI for such deeply human decisions risks the deskilling of health professionals. Ethical decision-making is an essential skill developed through experience, reflection, and dialogue. If AI takes over these roles, clinicians may gradually lose the ability — or the confidence — to engage in these vital discussions. The speaker, who advocated for the use of P4, admitted he did not fully understand how the AI makes its decisions. This lack of transparency is alarming. If we are to entrust a machine with life-or-death recommendations, we must first demand clarity and accountability in its design and operation. In my opinion, while AI has a growing role in healthcare, ethical decision-making remains a human responsibility. These discussions are often fraught with disagreement, cultural sensitivity, and intense emotion — particularly when they involve questions of life and death. In my view, we are not yet ready to hand this task over to machines. We are not yet ready to hand this task over to machines.
Hans India
3 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Igniting the Flame of Learning: Student-Led Education Can Empower Rural, Tribal, and Urban Slum Children, Says Public Prosecutor and Community Advocate Sarala Devi
Kurnool: One of the most effective ways to break the cycle of poverty and social inequality is by investing in early childhood education, especially among children in marginalized communities—rural villages, urban slums, and tribal hamlets. Quality education in the formative years lays the foundation for confident, capable citizens who can compete on par with their more privileged peers. This vision aligns seamlessly with the Andhra Pradesh government's new initiative, Zero Poverty – P4 Policy, which emphasizes People, Purpose, Prosperity, and Partnerships. By integrating early education outreach into the P4 framework—particularly through student-led community service—the state can make meaningful strides toward achieving social equity and inclusive development. Students as Catalysts of Change Community-based education led by college students—from engineering, medical, nursing, and general colleges—can be transformative. Their involvement not only accelerates the goals of P4 but also instills empathy, social responsibility, and civic consciousness in the youth. This is not just policy implementation—it's a grassroots movement driven by people power. Imagine students returning to their hometowns during vacations, conducting informal classes under trees or in village sheds, teaching basic literacy, numeracy, hygiene, and even digital literacy. These humble yet impactful initiatives can bridge the developmental divide and pave the way for a poverty-free Andhra Pradesh. Rural Empowerment Through Education In rural India, educational gaps persist despite various government efforts. Student volunteers can fill this gap by engaging with village children during holidays or service assignments. Supported by internet access and platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram, volunteers can create digital learning circles, offer guidance remotely, and ensure continuity even after returning to their campuses. Colleges and universities must institutionalize these efforts—offering academic credits, internships, or recognition for rural teaching. NGOs and CSR partners can strengthen these initiatives by providing logistical and technological support. Urban Slums: From Survival to Schooling In overcrowded urban slums, where children grow up amidst poverty and neglect, education often remains a distant dream. Many are first-generation learners, facing high dropout rates and poor academic outcomes. Here too, student volunteers can act as mentors and change-makers. Weekend classes, bridge courses, storytelling circles, and subject-specific coaching held in community spaces can make education accessible and engaging. Lighting the Forests: Education in Tribal Hamlets In remote tribal regions—like the Srisailam forests—education remains sporadic, and infrastructure is fragile. Language barriers, poor school access, and economic hardships make education especially difficult. Student volunteers, equipped with culturally sensitive methods like storytelling, music, and art, can connect with tribal children and their families. These efforts build trust, boost attendance, and empower communities from within. Tribal education must be rooted in respect for indigenous knowledge and adapted to local realities. Volunteers can also raise awareness among parents—especially about the importance of educating girls—and engage local elders to build community support. Policy to Practice: A Call to Action To make such efforts sustainable, governments must institutionalize community-led education within the P4 Policy or Smart City missions. Educational institutions can integrate rural and slum education into their curriculum. CSR partners can contribute digital tools and infrastructure. This model benefits both sides. While marginalized children receive mentorship and learning support, student volunteers gain life skills that formal education often overlooks. They develop into socially aware citizens committed to inclusive nation-building. Conclusion Inclusive development doesn't always need grand infrastructure. Sometimes, it begins with a notebook, a few children, a volunteer under a tree—and a shared belief that education changes everything. Empowering marginalized children through grassroots education is not just a social good; it is a national imperative. Every child we teach is a step closer to justice. Every student who volunteers is a step closer to responsible citizenship. Let us bridge the divide not with concrete, but with compassion, commitment, and the enduring power of learning.
Hans India
10-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
CM launches Vision Action Plan Units
Vijayawada: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday virtually launched 'Vision Action Plan Unit' offices in all 26 districts and 175 Assembly constituencies with an aim to achieve the goals of Swarna Andhra 2047 vision. Addressing MPs, MLAs, District Collectors and officials virtually from the state Secretariat after the launch, Naidu stated that these units would fill a long-standing gap by providing dedicated government offices for MLAs at the constituency level. Each unit will be staffed with a nine-member team, with an allocation of Rs 10 lakh for its operational expenses. The nine-member team consists of an MLA, district nodal officer, academic person, young professional, and five vision staff. The Chief Minister, who recently unveiled Swarna Andhra 2047 vision under which the state would achieve a gross state domestic product (GSDP) of $2.4 trillion over the next two decades, urged the MPs, MLAs and officials to actively drive the implementation of this ambitious vision. He characterised the initiative as a "valuable opportunity" for MLAs, encouraging them to foster active citizen participation in the state's transformative journey. "Each Constituency Vision Action Plan Unit will be chaired by the local MLA," the Chief Minister explained. "A Special Officer will serve as executive vice-chairperson, with the local MLC, Municipal/Urban Panchayat chairperson, RDO/Sub-Collector, Tahsildar, Mandal Parishad Development Officer (MPDO), and Municipal Commissioner as members. The MPDO will act as the convener," he added. "We drafted this vision within the first year of taking office," the CM stated, drawing a parallel with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's national 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision. To ensure comprehensive growth, the Chief Minister highlighted ten priority development sectors identified for focused attention: agriculture, dairy, fisheries, and horticulture; industries, commerce, and logistics; services sector & IT; healthcare and medical Infrastructure; education and skill development; environment and natural resource management; infrastructure – roads, water projects, housing; urban and rural development; and governance efficiency & digital governance. "These ten focus areas represent the broad canvas of our transformation agenda. Our goal is to make Andhra Pradesh a 'healthy, wealthy, and happy' state," the Chief Minister affirmed. He emphasised the need for the state to pursue not only the long-term Swarna Andhra 2047 vision but also to prepare a clear four-year action plan. A comprehensive five-year roadmap has been developed for all 26 districts, he added. The Chief Minister appreciated Union Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, who participated in the virtual launch, for coming forward to adopt 10 poor families under the P4 (Public Private People Partnership) poverty elimination programme. He urged other public representatives to follow suit and become mentors.
GMA Network
09-06-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Andrew Tan named Emperador Inc. chairman emeritus
Billionaire Andrew Tan has been elected as chairman emeritus of Emperador Inc., the holding company of his liquor business involved in manufacturing, bottling, and distributing distilled alcoholic beverages. The election was held by Emperador's board of directors on Monday, June 9, appointing Winston Co as chairman and president of the company, and Glenn Manlapaz as chief executive officer. Company stockholders on Monday also elected Katherine Tan, Winston Co, Kendrick Andrew Tan, and Kevin Andrew Tan as regular directors of the Board, while Jose Rene Gregory Almendras, Jesli Lapus, and Ho Poh Wah were elected as independent directors. The company has earmarked P4 billion for its capital spending program this year, with the bulk going to the expansion of its Dalmore distillery in Scotland, and to doubling its whisky maturation complex in its Invergordon distillery. Emperador's brands include Emperador Brandy, Emperador Light, Andy Player Whisky, The BaR, Smirnoff Mule, The Dalmore Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky, Whyte & Mackay Blended Scotch Whisky, Terry Centenario, Tres Cepas, and Harveys. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA Integrated News
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GMA Network
06-06-2025
- GMA Network
5 nabbed in Pangasinan for using fake land title in P4-M loan
Five individuals were arrested in Calasiao, Pangasinan, for using a fake land title to obtain a loan worth P4 million. According to a ''24 Oras'' report by John Consulta on Friday, the five suspects were arrested in an entrapment operation conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation–Dagupan. Based on NBI's investigation, the five suspects applied for a loan and received millions in exchange for a property in Bayambang, Pangasinan. However, the Registry of Deeds said the land title was fake. 'Nagsabwatan ng limang subjects para makakuha ng loan muna sa complainant gamit isang titulong peke. Nakakuha sila ng apat na milyon na loan muna sa complainant, at hindi pa sila nakontento, at humingi ng karagdagan isang milyon mula sa complainant. Dahil dito ay nagkasa po tayo ng entrapment operation para mahuli itong limang subjects,' said NBI Dagupan agent-in-charge Mert Tello. (The five subjects have conspired to file for a loan with the complainant using a fake title. They received P4 million worth of loan from the complainant, and they still weren't content so they asked for another P1 million from the complainant. Because of this, we have conducted an entrapment operation to arrest these five suspects.) 'Kinasuhan natin ang limang subjects ng estafa through falsification of public document, at ang kaso na ating sinampa ay sinustain naman ng provincial prosecutor,' Tello said. (We charged the five subjects with estafa through falsification of public document, and the case was sustained by the provincial prosecutor.) Other potential victims were also urged to cooperate with the NBI. GMA Integrated News has reached out to the suspects for comment. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/VBL, GMA Integrated News
