**3. The Hype and The Hope**

In today's world of data intensive computing [1–3], we seem to live in a state of hype and hope for the role of artificial intelligence in every walk of life. A hope that AI is the panacea or cure all to a mistrust, and scepticism exist in several fields. The doctor patient relationship is a type of bond, much beyond the factual clinical relation of diagnosis, intervention, and outcome. The patients as well as doctors are circumspect and wary of the ability of AI to substitute that relationship [4, 5].

The ability of creating AI and to let an algorithm take over the human function is not preferred by many. The patients have a significant hesitation in handing over their health issues to a machine. Can the machine match the subtleties of communication, eye contact, personal touch and the empathy that is expected from a human? Can the AI manage a situation end to end in patient care? The complexities of healthcare are thought to be beyond the capability of a machine. Is the AI too standardised and not flexible enough to the individual needs of a patient. Decision support systems in vogue are accepted by the patient but want the decision making is preferred to be left to humans [6, 7].

The doctor performs a number of duties in the doctor patient relationships. Does the AI promise to replace the doctor in every aspect? As a clinician, he does interpret the difficulties the patient has, elicits certain signs suggestive of a diagnosis and orders relevant investigations. It is possible that humans err in judgement, may not be fully equipped with all the knowledge and is prone to have his own bias. AI certainly promises to cover these deficits of a human. However, does the AI take over the functions as a team leader, comfort the patient when needed, help the patient in risk assessment and make right decisions in contrasting and compromising situations. One of the most important duties of the doctor is in terminal illness, palliative care, empathy, psychological support and even conveying the sad news of a near one's death [8]. Is the AI equally competent to humans in these functions?
