Andhra Pradesh Sets Benchmark in AI-Driven Healthcare

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a role model for neighbouring states in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare services, National Health Authority joint secretary Kiran Gopal Vaska said on Tuesday.

Addressing the inaugural session of the “AI-Based healthcare system stakeholders’ conference” at the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub in Mangalagiri, he said AP had gained national recognition for becoming one of the first states to integrate AI-driven innovations into public healthcare services.

Kiran Gopal noted that the experience gained by AP in implementing AI solutions would guide innovators and policymakers across the country in expanding AI-based healthcare services. He said the Centre was currently preparing a policy framework for procurement of AI-enabled medical equipment and technologies, and AP’s successful implementation models could help shape the national policy.

He said AP was also leading in digitisation of healthcare records through the creation of ABHA IDs under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. More than 100 crore ABHA accounts have been created nationwide, with AP emerging as one of the top-performing states.

Emphasizing the importance of reliable medical data, the NHA joint secretary said AI-based healthcare services could deliver accurate outcomes only when disease profiles and treatment records were available in a trustworthy and structured format. He stressed the need for specialised medical Large Language Models dedicated to the healthcare sector.

Citing breast cancer treatment as an example, he said AI tools would become more effective only when comprehensive and error-free clinical information was digitally accessible.

Kiran Gopal also appreciated the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub for extending technological and financial support to healthcare startups and innovators.

The Ratan Tata Innovation Hub CEO Dhathri Reddy said the organisation was creating an “investors’ army” to support startups developing advanced healthcare technologies. Through the MedTech Challenge initiative, startups would be encouraged to scale up innovations in line with healthcare requirements.

She said the hub was ready to provide complete assistance to entrepreneurs interested in setting up IT and healthcare technology firms in Andhra Pradesh. Around 300 colleges across the state have already established E-Cells to promote entrepreneurship among youth.

Health secretary Saurabh Gaur said the healthcare sector could be strengthened only through collaboration between the government, startups, technology partners, academic institutions and development agencies. Health commissioner Veerapandian outlined the government’s initiatives under the MedTech Challenge programme.