India is fast-tracking artificial intelligence in its healthcare system. This push comes from government plans, state projects, and startups led by women. The aim is to tackle doctor shortages and gear up for an AI-driven change by 2026. With one radiologist serving thousands of patients in many areas, these steps seek to bring expert care to remote corners.

On 23 December 2025, the government unveiled Smart Doctor, an AI tool for clinical decisions. Developed by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, it will roll out in 70,000 public and private hospitals. This digital helper aids doctors in diagnosis and treatment, especially for long-term illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure. The National Health Authority has urged all states to adopt it quickly.

Government and State Initiatives Take Lead

State efforts are picking up pace too. In December, Uttar Pradesh’s Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences got the green light for AI projects under the National AI Mission. This fits the state’s dream to make Lucknow India’s first “AI City”. The institute plans to use AI in diagnostics, doctor support, online consultations, and hospital management. It targets the lack of specialists – just 0.3 per 1,000 people – via a network of medical colleges offering round-the-clock tele-health services.

These moves show a united national plan. They mix central funding with local action to cut wait times and boost care quality. Smart Doctor, for instance, pulls together patient data to suggest steps, easing the load on overworked staff.

Women-Led Startups Fill Radiology Void

Startups run by women are transforming radiology work. Easiofy Solutions, started by Meenal Gupta, Noor Fatma, and Sheetal Tarkas, uses AI to scan X-rays and draft reports in seconds. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised them as “Teen Deviyan” for taking imaging skills to rural India. Their tool cuts radiation oncology contouring from 90 minutes to under five.

In Chennai, Medtatvaa – co-founded by Sneha Samaveda and Supraja Srinivasan – launched DICOMDrive this month. It lets imaging centres shift to cloud storage, share reports via WhatsApp, email, or SMS, and go paperless. “We have digitised payments, travel, and services, but healthcare records are still on paper. That must change,” said Samaveda.

Pune’s DeepTek earned a big nod in 2025. The World Health Organisation recommended its chest X-ray AI for TB checks in June, after EU Class IIb certification in April. Deployed at over 800 sites worldwide, it has screened more than two million people, spotting TB and 21 other lung issues in minutes.

Experts Eye 2026 as Game-Changer Year

Medical experts see 2025 as a key shift. “AI will blend blood tests, symptoms, and scans into one clear health story,” said Dr Manish Bansal, Senior Director of Clinical and Preventive Cardiology at Medanta. He calls 2026 the year AI becomes core to stopping diseases before they start.

This strategy spans rules, funds, and new ideas to widen care access. From Smart Doctor in hospitals to AI X-rays in villages, India aims to serve its 1.4 billion people better. Challenges like data privacy and training remain, but the momentum builds hope for fairer healthcare.

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