India to Soon Launch AI Missions for Healthcare, Other: PM Modi

He further emphasised that India is set to embark on a new mission that will combine the powers of AI with healthcare and agriculture. This will also bolster India’s computing capabilities, with a specific focus on providing support to small businesses and startups.

The government will soon launch AI missions, with a specific focus on healthcare and agriculture, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently. These initiatives will be supported by faster and more accessible computing resources.

He further emphasised that India is set to embark on a new mission that will combine the powers of AI with healthcare and agriculture. This will also bolster India’s computing capabilities, with a specific focus on providing support to small businesses and startups.

“This will help India’s innovators and startups get better facilities. Under this mission, AI applications in agriculture, healthcare and education-related sectors will be promoted,” the PM said.

Underscoring the significance of inclusivity in AI technology, Modi stressed the necessity for development guided by human and democratic values. He articulated, “The more inclusive the development journey of AI, the more inclusive will be the results.”

Furthermore, he underscored the importance of integrating emotions, ethics, and efficiency into the trajectory of AI development. He remarked, “The direction of AI development will entirely depend on human and democratic values. It is up to us to maintain a space for emotions along with efficiency, ethics along with effectiveness.”

Expressing apprehensions about the potential misuse of AI, Modi warned that technology is both- a developmental tool and a potential threat. He further noted that the mission’s objective is to establish robust AI computing power within the country, facilitating improved facilities for innovators and startups.

To achieve this objective various initiatives have been taken, for instance, recently PM Modi launched 100 ‘5G Use Case Labs’ for educational institutions across the country. The 5G Labs is expected to have a significant impact on the healthcare sector. It will offer several benefits including improved telemedicine facilities which in turn will help doctors consult with patients in real-time, regardless of their location, quick transfer of large files such as high-resolution medical images, enhanced remote patient monitoring, and enabling the use of advanced technologies.

Earlier while addressing the G-20 meeting, PM Modi highlighted the significance of digital innovation and its prominent role in global healthcare. He called to unite various digital health initiatives on a common platform. He further urged G-20 Health Ministers to avoid duplication in funding and facilitate the equitable availability of technology.