Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various sectors, particularly healthcare, by improving processes, enhancing efficiency, and driving economic growth. In India, the healthcare system faces significant challenges, including inadequate access to quality care, especially in rural areas, and a severe shortage of skilled medical professionals. Despite having world-class hospitals that bolster medical tourism, India struggles with disparities in healthcare access and affordability. AI has the potential to address these issues by improving access to high-quality care, reducing the burden on healthcare professionals, and enabling personalized treatments on a large scale. The Indian government is actively working to integrate AI into the healthcare system, as demonstrated by initiatives like the National Health Stack and the National Digital Health Blueprint. These policies aim to create a digital infrastructure that facilitates data sharing and supports innovation in the private sector. Additionally, collaborations between government bodies, technology companies, and healthcare providers are accelerating the development and implementation of AI-driven solutions. For example, NITI Aayog's partnerships with Microsoft and Forus Health focus on early disease detection, while the Maharashtra government is working with Wadhwani AI to enhance rural healthcare. These efforts highlight AI's potential to transform India's healthcare system, making it more efficient, accessible, and affordable, ultimately improving public health outcomes and reducing poverty related to healthcare costs.
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