Measures taken by the government to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the public health system

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance public health services across India. As part of this initiative, AIIMS Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, and AIIMS Rishikesh have been designated Centres of Excellence for AI, focusing on developing and adopting AI-driven healthcare solutions. Key AI tools introduced include the Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) in eSanjeevani, the Media Disease Surveillance (MDS) tool in the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), and AI-based models for Diabetic Retinopathy Identification and Abnormal Chest X-ray Classification. Since its launch in April 2022, MDS has published over 4,500 event alerts, enabling early detection and prevention of infectious disease outbreaks. 

The CDSS AI solution has improved the quality of consultations on eSanjeevani, benefiting 196 million patients through standardised data capture and assisting doctors with 12 million AI-powered diagnoses. Under the Tuberculosis (TB) elimination programme, the Cough Against TB AI solution has increased TB detection rates by 12-16%, identifying cases that would have otherwise been missed. Additionally, the Prediction of Adverse TB Outcomes AI solution has contributed to a 27% reduction in adverse TB outcomes. These AI-driven innovations streamline healthcare decision-making, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen disease surveillance. This information was provided by Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Mr. Prataprao Jadhav, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. 

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.