AI healthcare strategy launched, three institutes named as AI centres

The question asked the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to state whether a roadmap for AI deployment in public healthcare exists, the steps taken for implementation, measures for rural adoption, regulatory frameworks for ethical use, and how AI will improve healthcare accessibility and quality.

Asked and answered by: Asked by Shri Shashank Mani and Shri Arun Govil; Answered by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda).

What the government said

• Launched the 'Strategy for AI in Healthcare' (SAHI) on 17th February 2026.
• Designated AIIMS Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, and AIIMS Rishikesh as 'Centres of Excellence' for AI.
• Operational AI solutions include Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) on e-Sanjeevani, Media Disease Surveillance under IDSP, and Diabetic Retinopathy identification.
• Deployment of AI tools for identifying hotspots of TB, Leprosy, and Malaria, including in rural and underserved regions.
• Use of AI-enabled handheld X-rays for TB screening and the 'Khushi Chatbot' in the TB Mukt Bharat App for patient support.
• Regulatory safeguards include ICMR ethical guidelines, MeitY India AI Governance guidelines, IT Act 2000, and the Information Security Policy for Healthcare.
• Health Technology Assessment India (HTAIn) evaluates AI technologies for safety and effectiveness, while CDSCO regulates AI as medical device software under the Drug & Cosmetic Act.

Also in the document

• The answer confirms that the listed AI solutions are operational in collaboration with central and state health institutions across the country.
• The answer states that safeguards for data privacy and AI accountability are ensured through compliance with existing policies and guidelines, rather than a single new specific law dedicated solely to healthcare AI.