This is the story of a young doctor couple, filled with excitement as they awaited the arrival of their first child. However, their happiness was short-lived as they encountered an unimaginable medical complication that would change their lives forever.
On November 23, 2007, their baby was born in one of the finest medical centers, under the supervision of a leading neonatologist who was also their colleague. Yet, to everyone’s shock, the healthy newborn slipped into a coma within hours. Despite the expertise of the medical staff, it took 48 hours to diagnose an extremely rare condition — THAN — where ammonia levels in the blood were a thousand times higher than normal. At that time, only 70 cases had been reported globally. Unfortunately, the delay in diagnosis resulted in irreversible damage, leaving their child permanently disabled and dependent for life.
A Mission Ignited by Guilt
The heartbreaking realization that the delay was due to the non-availability of critical lab tests haunted the couple. They couldn’t help but wonder, “If this can happen in a top-tier medical center, what about remote areas?” This lingering guilt sparked a resolute mission — to ensure that every corner of their state had access to critical blood test results within three hours. This was no ordinary task, but with the unwavering support of their dedicated friends, years of relentless effort, and a significant personal investment, they turned this dream into reality.
A New Challenge and a Moment of Epiphany
Five years later, they prepared for their second child. This time, armed with experience, they conducted tests immediately after birth. However, fate was unkind once again. Despite detecting a similar condition early and initiating timely therapy, some damage was still inevitable, though less severe. This ordeal made them reflect — what could be done better? Then came the moment of realization: as an oncologist, Dr. Suresh was already practicing early detection in cancer. Could this concept be applied during pregnancy?
From Grief to Purpose: Expanding Horizons
Around the same time, one of Dr. Suresh’s closest friends lost his father to cancer. In his memory, the friends came together to establish an organization focused on “home-based cancer screening.” While the couple briefly shifted focus to grow the organization, they eventually handed over its reins to a committed volunteer. After donating a major part of their wealth to this NGO and ensuring its sustainability, they returned to their mission.
A Third Chance and a New Beginning
When they planned for their next child, the couple didn’t leave anything to chance. They traveled to Singapore for NIPT genetic testing during pregnancy and initiated treatment even before the lab results arrived. Their third child was born completely healthy — a testament to their perseverance and learning. This success reignited their passion for early detection of anomalies in pregnancies.
The Birth of MIHIC: Bridging Gaps with Technology
As they explored deeper, they realized the enormous gaps in analyzing vast volumes of data — genetic mapping, interpretation, and more. Destiny brought them to Mr. PV Narasimham, a passionate AI enthusiast and former partner and CEO of a Big 4 firm who had quit his job to pursue a similar purpose. Together, they built a team of physician-scientists trained in computer science, mathematics, and AI. This marked the inception of Cognitive Care and Early Detect Labs.
The Turning Point: Entrusted by AMTZ
While the team was refining its skills in processing pathology, neurology, and oncology datasets, an unexpected call came from the CEO of AMTZ (Andhra Med Tech Zone). He entrusted them with the task of detecting high-risk pregnancies. The small but passionate team relocated to the beach city with renewed energy and determination.
MIHIC Comes to Life
After months of dedication, they developed MIHIC (Maternal Infant Health Insights and Cognition) — a system capable of predicting 48 risks in pregnant women and early childhood well in advance. The joy of witnessing their technology safeguard lives was indescribable.
New Challenges and Global Expansion
However, success brought forth new challenges:
A Divine Intervention and Global Validation
Fate intervened again when they met one of the top 10 obstetricians in the world — a man who dreamed of achieving what he called the “miracle surgery of head transplant.” His frustration stemmed from the fact that his expertise was being consumed by routine cases, while complex cases often succumbed to death. He saw MIHIC as a solution to triage and refer high-risk cases for timely intervention.
A Beta Version and Global Recognition
A top 3 global medical school’s Ethics Committee (EC) approved MIHIC for testing, bringing the project closer to global implementation. Despite the pandemic, the team’s sacrifices ensured that their work reached millions, educating even the most remote communities.
A Powerful Ally and a Game-Changing Grant
In an unexpected twist, a noble and powerful woman, inspired by a similar personal journey, volunteered to steer the global strategy. Her efforts caught the attention of the Gates Foundation, which awarded their first million-dollar grant — one of the fastest approvals in its history. This was a defining moment, allowing MIHIC to expand across four continents.
Real Impact: Saving Lives, One Step at a Time
The real reward came when the team learned that out of 10,000+ screened individuals in the first quarter, 486 high-risk pregnancies were saved. Knowing they had safeguarded two lives with each case was an unparalleled feeling.
The Quest Continues
Yet, their journey is far from over. The team is now expanding across indications, delving deeper into the biological intersections of genes, environment, drugs, lifestyle, and math. Their goal is to create a system that can predict and prevent health crises before they arise.
A Vision for the Future
The dream is clear — a future where AI empowers humanity to prepare for health challenges in advance. Dr. Suresh and his team remain steadfast in their mission, determined that one day, technology will not just predict but solve global health issues.
Signing off…
Dr. Suresh AVS
