New Delhi: As India confronts a rising incidence of blood cancers, immune disorders, and complex infections, early diagnosis and personalised treatment are becoming increasingly essential. Responding to this need, Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram, hosted HemeNext 1.0, a pioneering national scientific conference highlighting the transformative role of Genomics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and next-generation Cell Therapies in reshaping hematology and infectious disease care.
The two-day event brought together over 150 leading clinicians on-site and more than 1,700 participants online, including hematologists, infectious disease specialists, BMT physicians, CAR-T experts, and young clinicians from across India. One of the major attractions was India’s First Humanoid Healthcare Host, ‘Hembot’, a life-sized humanoid robot powered by NVIDIA Jetson Orin and capable of 100 trillion AI operations per second. Hembot welcomed delegates, assisted them with navigation, co-hosted stage sessions, and interacted with attendees, demonstrating how humanoid robots could soon support hospitals with patient guidance, clinical information, monitoring assistance, and enhanced engagement in OPDs and waiting areas. The robot also joined the gala evening, greeting guests and performing synchronised movements, symbolising FMRI’s vision for an AI-augmented healthcare future.
At the heart of HemeNext 1.0 was the growing impact of Genomics, which is revolutionising the diagnosis and treatment of leukemia, lymphoma, bone marrow failure syndromes, and inherited blood disorders. Experts discussed advancements such as next-generation sequencing for deep cancer profiling, precision-driven gene mutation analysis, relapse prediction through genomic algorithms, clonal evolution tracking, and genomics-based donor matching that is improving the safety and success rate of bone marrow transplants. These technologies are helping clinicians shift from generic treatments to highly personalised, data-driven care, leading to improved outcomes and reduced complications. The conference also focused on strengthening everyday clinical decision-making through real-world case discussions and mentorship-driven learning.
HemeNext 1.0 further demonstrated how scientific progress is directly benefiting patients through faster diagnosis of blood cancers using AI tools, more accurate genetic reports enabled by advanced genomics, next-generation therapies such as CAR-T offering hope for difficult-to-treat cancers, robotics supporting clinical precision, safer bone marrow transplants powered by genomics, and better survival rates through personalised treatment plans.
Dr. Rahul Bhargava, Principal Director & Chief – Hematology, Hemato Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant, FMRI, said, “At Fortis, we have built one of India’s most comprehensive hematology ecosystems, integrating genomics, advanced diagnostics, cell therapies, and AI-driven tools under one roof. HemeNext 1.0 reflects our commitment to pushing scientific boundaries and redefining hematology care for the country.”
Dr. Vikas Dua, Principal Director & Head – Pediatric Hematology, Hemato Oncology & BMT, FMRI, added, “Pediatric hematology demands precision and innovation. HemeNext 1.0 strengthens our mission to ensure that children battling blood cancers and rare disorders receive the most advanced, evidence-based care.”
Yash Rawat, Senior Vice President & SBU Head, FMRI, said, “FMRI is emerging as India’s precision-hematology hub. With genomics-led workflows, AI-assisted diagnostics, next-generation therapies like CAR-T, and now humanoid robotics, Fortis Gurugram is shaping the future of integrated, high-end hematology care.”
