Artificial Intelligence (AI) is steadily transforming healthcare in India, offering tools that assist doctors in managing their workloads and enhancing patient care. While comprehensive national statistics are still emerging, several key developments highlight the growing integration of AI in Indian medical practice.
AI Integration in Indian Healthcare-
Leading healthcare institutions in India are actively adopting AI technologies:
Apollo Hospitals: One of India’s largest hospital chains, Apollo Hospitals has allocated 3.5% of its digital budget over the past two years to AI initiatives. The aim is to free up two to three hours daily for doctors and nurses by automating routine tasks such as medical documentation, discharge summaries, and daily scheduling.
Wadhwani AI: This Mumbai-based nonprofit collaborates with the Indian government to develop AI solutions for public health challenges. Their clinical decision-support system is utilized in over 4 million consultations monthly, aiding physicians and frontline workers in faster and more accurate diagnoses.
Research and Development
Academic and research institutions are contributing to AI advancements in healthcare:
IIT Madras and THSTI: They have developed Garbhini-GA2, India’s first AI model to accurately estimate fetal age during the second and third trimesters. This model is tailored to the Indian population and is expected to be implemented nationwide following validation.
Wipro GE Healthcare and IISc: Their collaborative lab focuses on developing advanced diagnostic and medical imaging techniques using AI, aiming for quicker and better imaging protocols.
Challenges and Outlook
Despite these advancements, challenges remain:
Data Diversity: India’s diverse population and varying healthcare data formats pose challenges for AI model standardization.
Infrastructure: Limited electronic medical records and high technology costs can hinder rapid AI adoption across all healthcare facilities.
Nevertheless, the trajectory indicates a growing acceptance and integration of AI tools among Indian doctors, aiming to enhance efficiency and patient outcomes.
