Union Health Minister J P Nadda presented a knowledge paper on August 8 in New Delhi, focusing on the increasing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in medical technology. The document, entitled ‘AI in MedTech: Revolutionising Healthcare Through Artificial Intelligence’, aims to delineate five key priorities necessary for the responsible integration of AI within India’s healthcare system. This event coincided with the 9th edition of India Medical Device 2026, organised by the Department of Pharmaceuticals alongside the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) at Vigyan Bhawan.

Insights into India’s AI-Enabled MedTech Landscape

Developed collaboratively by Praxis Global Alliance and FICCI, the knowledge paper offers an in-depth analysis of India’s evolving landscape in AI-enabled medical technology. It underscores necessary actions to transition AI solutions from successful pilot projects to broader clinical applications. Among the primary findings, AI-enabled diagnostics are identified as a crucial large-scale application. This technology is posited to significantly enhance specialist support at the primary and secondary healthcare levels, thereby improving productivity and addressing disparities in healthcare access.

The report also emphasises the urgent need to tackle existing challenges such as fragmented health data and insufficient evidence. Furthermore, it advocates for the establishment of consistent lifecycle-based regulation that caters specifically to adaptive AI technologies. To create a conducive environment for AI adoption, the development of supportive procurement strategies and reimbursement mechanisms is also recommended.

Moreover, the paper notes that India has laid strong foundations for AI integration through various initiatives, including the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, the IndiaAI Mission, SAHI, BODH, and the National Medical Devices Policy, 2023. Despite these advancements, the report highlights that AI adoption is still hindered by challenges such as fragmented data and evolving regulatory frameworks.

Collaborative Efforts Essential for AI Advancement

The report calls for a coordinated response from multiple stakeholders including the government, regulators, healthcare providers, industry players, payers, and academic institutions. Such collaboration is deemed crucial for overcoming hurdles that currently impede the comprehensive adoption of AI technologies in healthcare settings.

Furthermore, the paper suggests that India has a significant opportunity to capitalise on its robust software capabilities, advanced digital public infrastructure, clinical diversity, and an expanding MedTech manufacturing sector. These attributes position the nation to potentially take the lead in the global market for the responsible development, manufacturing, and deployment of AI-enabled medical technologies.

As the landscape for AI in MedTech continues to evolve, the recommendations outlined in the knowledge paper serve as a pathway to enhancing healthcare delivery in India. By focusing on responsible AI integration, the healthcare sector can aspire towards improved efficacy, equity, and accessibility in medical services.

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