Govt Integrates AI in Healthcare, Targets TB & Cancer Detection: Health Minister Nadda

AI-powered X-ray machines are being used for early detection of TB, while AI is also being leveraged to diagnose sickle cell disease and enhance cancer treatment, even in rural areas.

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda has announced that the government is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare to improve disease detection and treatment.

AI-powered X-ray machines are being used for early detection of tuberculosis (TB), while AI is also being leveraged to diagnose sickle cell disease and enhance cancer treatment, even in rural areas.

Additionally, teleconsultation services are being expanded to address mental health concerns.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha during a discussion on the Health and Family Welfare Ministry's progress, Nadda emphasized the government's commitment to modernizing healthcare and achieving a TB-free India before the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) deadline of 2030.

Nadda highlighted that while the government aspires to allocate 2.5% of GDP to healthcare, the current expenditure stands at 1.84%, an increase from 1.15% in 2013-14.

"Approximately INR 1 lakh crore is being spent on health today," he said.

The minister pointed out that health remains a state subject, meaning states are responsible for last-mile service delivery, while the Centre provides financial aid, technology, policy planning, and research support.

Since 2017, the government has adopted a comprehensive, integrated health policy, moving away from siloed approaches by promoting collaboration between allopathy, Ayush, and yoga.

Strengthening AIIMS Healthcare Infrastructure

Discussing medical infrastructure, Nadda noted that India had only one All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) until 1998, when the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government sanctioned six more.

The UPA government later approved an AIIMS in Rae Bareli. Today, 22 AIIMS institutes are under development, with several existing medical institutions being upgraded and modernized.

The government is also working to increase the scope and incentives for ASHA workers to improve healthcare outreach, especially in rural areas.

Highlighting key healthcare achievements, Nadda reported an 83% decline in maternal mortality and significant reductions in under-five mortality rates.

Additionally, out-of-pocket medical expenses have dropped from 62.6% to 39.4%, providing financial relief to patients.

Cancer Screening & Mental Health Initiatives

Efforts to expand cancer screening in rural areas have led to 1.63 lakh patients being diagnosed.

The government is also prioritizing mental health, aiming to appoint psychiatrists in every district and ensuring access to high-quality psychiatric medications to improve treatment outcomes.

With AI-driven healthcare, increased spending, and infrastructure expansion, the government aims to modernize India's healthcare system while making essential services more accessible and affordable.

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