The Aryavarth Express
New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, on Tuesday underscored the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in India’s healthcare system, while stressing that technology can never replace the compassion and empathy offered by medical professionals.
Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit in the national capital, Patel described AI as an “enabler and force multiplier” within India’s governance model. She said the true measure of AI’s success lies in its ability to address health inequities and advance inclusivity.
“The real measure of AI’s power is the extent to which it can reduce health inequities. In our governance model, AI acts as an enabler and a force multiplier, helping us move closer to the goals of inclusivity and health equity,” Patel said.
Addressing India’s Unique Health Challenges
Patel noted that India faces distinct healthcare challenges, including its vast and diverse population, the rural-urban divide, and the dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. She said the government has strategically integrated technology into the national healthcare framework to respond to these issues effectively.
According to her, AI-powered systems are already generating real-time alerts for disease outbreaks and strengthening nationwide disease surveillance mechanisms.
AI Under the One Health Mission
Highlighting initiatives under the One Health Mission, Patel said the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has launched an AI-based tool capable of analyzing genomes and predicting zoonotic outbreaks before transmission from animals to humans occurs.
She also pointed to the use of AI-supported handheld X-ray devices in tuberculosis screening programs as a practical example of how AI is augmenting healthcare delivery and enhancing disease control efforts.
“These technologies showcase the power of AI in strengthening our surveillance capacity and supporting our efforts toward disease control,” she said.
Human Touch Remains Irreplaceable
Despite AI’s growing role, Patel emphasized that healthcare ultimately depends on human interaction.
“Healthcare thrives not just on algorithms, but on human touch, empathy, and communication between a clinician and a patient. AI can never replace that. Only a doctor can provide the compassion and reassurance a patient needs,” she stated.
She reassured medical professionals that AI is designed to complement, not compete with, clinicians. “AI cannot compete with doctors; it can only compensate for their absence,” she added.
Promoting AI Literacy Among Doctors
Patel urged members of the medical fraternity to prioritize AI literacy. She announced that the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences has recently launched an online training program on AI in healthcare for doctors across the country.
The five-day India AI Impact Summit is structured around three foundational pillars—People, Planet, and Progress—aimed at exploring the broader societal implications of artificial intelligence.
