India Pushes AI and Innovation to Transform Healthcare Sector
Health Minister Anupriya Patel calls for greater research, responsible artificial intelligence and collaboration to build an innovation-driven medical ecosystem.
NEW DELHI, Aug 23: India needs to move beyond its reputation as the “Pharmacy of the World” and develop into a global “Laboratory of the World” by strengthening healthcare research, innovation and emerging technologies, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel said.
Speaking at the third IIMA Healthcare Summit 2026 at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, Patel highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence to reshape healthcare through faster drug discovery, personalised treatment, improved screening and stronger disease surveillance.
She said the adoption of AI must remain safe, responsible and centred on patients, with safeguards to protect medical information and privacy.
Technology to support doctors, not replace them
Patel emphasised that artificial intelligence should complement clinical professionals rather than replace human judgement.
AI-based systems could help healthcare workers analyse medical information, identify potential risks and support clinical decision-making. However, she stressed that accountability and human oversight must remain central to medical care.
The minister also called for closer cooperation among government institutions, universities, hospitals, startups and industry to move successful healthcare technologies beyond pilot projects and towards wider implementation.
Centres of Excellence to strengthen research
The government has established Centres of Excellence for AI in healthcare at AIIMS New Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh and AIIMS Rishikesh.
These institutions are expected to contribute to research and development while supporting the wider adoption of technology driven healthcare solutions.
Patel also highlighted the Rs 5,000 crore Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech Sector scheme, which aims to strengthen research capabilities and encourage collaboration between industry and academia.
The minister’s remarks underline the government’s growing focus on combining healthcare, technology and research to improve medical services and strengthen India’s position in the global healthcare innovation landscape.
