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AI to Revolutionize Healthcare, Reduce Workforce Burden, Says Health Secretary

Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava stated that Artificial Intelligence holds significant potential to lessen the burden on India's healthcare workforce and enhance service effectiveness. She cited the AI-enabled X-ray as a key tool in the TB-Mukt Bharat campaign for reaching remote areas. The remarks were made at the AI Impact Summit 2026, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The summit aims to foster global collaboration and translate AI innovations into tangible development outcomes.

Key Points: AI Can Reduce Healthcare Burden, Says Health Secretary

  • AI aids remote healthcare delivery
  • Powers TB detection via X-ray
  • Aims to reduce maternal mortality
  • Part of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission
2 min read

"Lot of scope by which AI can reduce burden on healthcare workforce," says Secy at Ministry of Health

Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava highlights AI's role in remote healthcare delivery and reducing workforce strain at AI Impact Summit.

"There is a lot of scope by which AI can reduce the burden on the healthcare workforce - Punya Salila Srivastava"

New Delhi, February 17

Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, said that there is a lot of scope by which AI can reduce the burden on the healthcare workforce.

Srivastava, while talking to ANI on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit, said that AI-enabled technology has helped the government take healthcare to the most remote areas of the country.

She said, "We have launched the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and as a part of this, the National Health Authority, the ICMR and the Health Ministry, they are together working so as to one by one use AI solutions. Under the TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, the AI-enabled X-ray has proved to be a powerful partner in ensuring that we carry out the campaign right up to the remote areas of the country. Today, various state governments describe the kind of solutions that they are using, whether it be to reduce the maternal mortality rate or to improve eye care. There is a lot of scope by which AI can reduce the burden on the healthcare workforce and, secondly, also make our health service delivery more effective. This is what we are working on."

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to deliver the inaugural address at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 on Thursday February 19, setting the stage for strengthened global collaboration and advancing India's vision for inclusive, trusted, and development-orientated Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The summit, the first global AI event hosted in the Global South, being held from February 16 to 20 at Bharat Mandapam, brings together policymakers, technology leaders, researchers, startups, and investors from around the world to showcase real-world AI applications and foster international partnerships in the rapidly evolving field of AI.

The summit aims to translate AI innovations into actionable development outcomes aligned with India's strategic initiatives, such as the IndiaAI Mission and Digital India.

Earlier today, the Prime Minister inaugurated the AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital, underscoring India's commitment to responsible and inclusive Artificial Intelligence.

The Summit will witness unprecedented participation, with over 20 Heads of State, 60 Ministers, and 500 global AI leaders.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally! AI in maternal care and eye care could save so many lives, especially in villages where specialists are scarce. The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission needs to be the backbone for all this. Fingers crossed for effective execution. 🙏
R
Rohit P
Good vision, but my concern is about data privacy under the Digital Mission. Who owns our health data? Also, will the AI solutions be affordable for the common man, or will they increase hospital costs? Need clear answers.
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Sarah B
As someone working in public health, I appreciate the focus on reducing workforce burden. Doctors and nurses are overworked. If AI can handle preliminary diagnostics and paperwork, it will free them up for critical patient care. A balanced approach is key.
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Vikram M
Hosting a global AI summit in India is a proud moment. Shows we are leading from the front in the Global South. The TB-Mukt Bharat use case is brilliant. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
K
Kavya N
Hope this doesn't mean replacing human touch with machines. Healthcare is about empathy too. AI should assist, not replace. Also, what about training our existing workforce to use these new tools? That's a big challenge.

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