AI is the future to meet India’s needs

Over the past few decades, India’s healthcare industry has undergone a remarkable transformation. The country has made significant strides in building better infrastructure, expanding access to essential medical services and strengthening public health policies. All these have laid the foundation for a more inclusive health system. However, this progress faces a formidable challenge with the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, cardiovascular ailments, respiratory disorders, and cancer. Obesity has also emerged globally as a potential threat to public health, estimated 43 percent of adults* worldwide (more than 2 billion) are overweight or obese, and over 70 percent of them live in low-income or middle-income countries (LMICs). It is a strong predictor of cardiovascular diseases, type-2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. These chronic conditions now account for over 60% of all deaths in India and are no longer limited to urban centres, they are fast spreading to rural and semi-urban regions.

Curbing this menace requires a paradigm shift in how healthcare is delivered and accessed. What India needs is a proactive, preventive, and predictive healthcare system that can reach its vast population, including those residing in the remotest corners of the country. Technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), holds the key to achieving this vision. By integrating AI into healthcare services, India can create a new-age infrastructure that enables early detection, continuous monitoring and personalised treatment, ensuring that quality care is no longer confined to urban pockets.

Bridging gaps with connected and AI-enabled devices

One of the most promising applications of AI in healthcare lies in its ability to democratise diagnostics and monitoring. Connected and AI-enabled devices are transforming the way patients interact with their health, making it easier for them to access timely care without always visiting a hospital. Wearable sensors, smart glucometers (Continuous glucose monitoring), portable ECG monitors, and AI-powered imaging tools can now capture and analyze real-time data, offering immediate insights into a patient’s health status. These devices not only empower individuals to take charge of their well-being but also allow doctors to remotely track their patients, adjust treatments, and intervene before complications arise.

This is particularly crucial for Tier II and Tier III regions, where access to specialised medical expertise is often limited. For example, an AI-assisted radiology platform can help detect early signs of tuberculosis or lung cancer in a district hospital, flagging high-risk cases for review by specialists located hundreds of kilometers away. Similarly, AI-driven diagnostic tools for retinal scans are being deployed to screen diabetic retinopathy in semi-urban clinics, preventing avoidable blindness. These innovations are enabling a shift from reactive care, where patients seek help only after falling ill, to a more preventive model, where early warnings and timely interventions improve outcomes.

Transforming treatment pathways

AI’s role extends beyond diagnostics. It is increasingly being used to personalize treatment plans based on a patient’s unique profile. Machine learning algorithms can analyse vast datasets, including medical history, genetics, lifestyle factors, and treatment responses, to recommend the most effective therapies. AI-powered chatbots and virtual health assistants are also bridging the doctor-patient communication gap, offering 24/7 guidance, medication reminders, and health education in local languages. According to the Future Health Index (FHI) 2025 India Report**, nearly three in four healthcare leaders believe AI will play a crucial role in driving predictive and preventive care in the next few years.

The integration of AI with telemedicine platforms further expands the reach of healthcare services. During the Covid-19 pandemic, virtual consultations became mainstream, breaking down geographical barriers and normalising remote care. Building on that momentum, AI can now enhance these services with automated symptom checkers and intelligent follow-up mechanisms. This not only reduces waiting times but also ensures that critical cases are escalated to specialists while routine concerns are managed efficiently.

The road ahead

While the potential of AI-driven healthcare is immense, its success hinges on addressing certain challenges. Ensuring data privacy and patient consent is crucial in building trust in digital health solutions. Robust digital infrastructure, including reliable internet connectivity in rural areas, must be prioritised. Training healthcare professionals to work alongside AI tools is equally paramount. India has already taken significant steps toward this direction with initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), which aims to create a unified digital health ecosystem. By initiating collaborations between the public and private sectors and establishing clear regulatory pathways, India can accelerate the integration of AI into mainstream healthcare. We can develop triaging tools based on key parameters and prioritize the need for therapeutic interventions. Collaborative approach between IT companies, MedTech firms & hospitals would be required to develop robust AI tools for screening & diagnosing various ailments. By embracing AI-enabled diagnostics, connected health devices and smart monitoring systems, the nation can bridge the urban-rural healthcare divide, curb the rising tide of NCDs, and ensure that every citizen, regardless of location, has access to timely and quality medical care.

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