Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Indian Healthcare

India's healthcare sector is embracing AI, promising to revolutionise healthcare. Although in its early stages, AI shows potential, with projections of a $25-$30 billion contribution to India's GDP by 2025

FREMONT, CA: India's healthcare landscape has been experiencing a remarkable transformation as it welcomes the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into its traditional practices. This bold step holds the promise of revolutionising healthcare delivery, making it more efficient, accessible, and patient-centric. Although AI's potential in the field is immense, its presence in Indian healthcare is still in its embryonic stage, with only a select few pioneering its application. However, the road ahead appears incredibly promising, with projections indicating that AI could contribute a substantial $25-$30 billion to India's GDP by 2025.

AI has the potential to revolutionise India's healthcare sector by transforming vast amounts of medical and patient data into actionable insights. This transformation can facilitate the early detection of complex diseases, accelerate health responses, and enhance public health surveillance. India's healthcare sector is already substantial, with a market size valued at $372 billion in 2022, and it is poised for further growth, expected to witness a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 20% from 2023 to 2030.

The COVID-19 pandemic has played a pivotal role in expediting technological advancements and increasing AI investments in Indian healthcare startups. The Union Budget for 2023-24 has allocated a substantial INR 89,155 crore for healthcare research and innovation. This financial commitment aims to support the country's healthcare infrastructure and foster research and development in innovative healthcare technologies.

The applications of AI in healthcare are multifaceted, ranging from mining medical records and designing treatment plans to predicting life-threatening diseases and enhancing diagnostics. AI-driven tools have proven their worth in efficiently managing hospitals and handling tasks such as billing, documentation, revenue management, and medical record upkeep. AI has also played a critical role in enhancing high-end diagnostic services and promoting health awareness among the Indian populace.

AI adoption in healthcare is being driven by collaborative efforts between government bodies, technology giants, and innovative startups. For instance, NITI Aayog collaborates closely with Microsoft and Forus Health to develop automated solutions for the early detection of diabetic retinopathy. The Maharashtra government, in partnership with NITI Aayog, has established the International Centre for Transformational Artificial Intelligence (ICTAI), with a focus on rural healthcare. Non-profit startup Wadhwani AI has partnered with India's National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) to develop AI-based interventions.

However, significant challenges hinder the widespread adoption of AI in Indian healthcare. These challenges include a shortage of expertise, limited access to intelligent data, high resource costs, a lack of awareness regarding AI adoption, and concerns related to privacy and data breaches. Acquiring high-quality data remains a critical challenge since AI relies heavily on accurate and up-to-date information.

AI and robotics are poised to reshape India's healthcare landscape, offering better care management practices and timely disease detection. It's a transformative journey where innovation meets tradition, and together they hold the promise of a healthier, AI-augmented future for all Indians.