Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel on Tuesday said artificial intelligence can support doctors and reduce routine workload but cannot replace medical professionals, stressing the need for AI literacy in the healthcare sector.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, Patel said, “AI can support the doctors and reduce the burden of their routine work, but it can never take their place. What we need today is that our medical fraternity needs to be AI literate and help us achieve the goal of inclusivity and health equity.”

AI Seen As Major Driver Of Healthcare Transformation

NITI Aayog member Dr V K Paul said the health sector is likely to experience the greatest impact from artificial intelligence, with tools capable of improving treatment outcomes and system efficiency.

“AI is going to impact health sector the most and AI tools will improve our clinical care, health system functioning, preventive approaches as well as they will strengthen and energise the public health approaches,” Paul said. He added that such tools must be developed responsibly and validated for technical and clinical reliability before widespread adoption.

Technology Key To Address India’s Unique Health Challenges

Addressing the summit, Patel highlighted that AI is being integrated into India’s healthcare framework as a strategic response to complex challenges posed by the country’s vast population, rural urban divide and the dual burden of communicable and non communicable diseases.

“The real measure of the power of AI lies in the extent to which it is able to address health inequities,” she said, adding that AI can act as an enabler and force multiplier for inclusive healthcare delivery.

Patel noted that technology is already being used for real time disease surveillance and outbreak alerts, strengthening preventive public health systems across the country.

The AI Impact Summit, a five day event built around the themes of People, Planet and Progress, has brought together policymakers, technology leaders and experts to discuss how artificial intelligence can drive large scale social impact while remaining responsible and equitable.

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