Source: The post “AI in healthcare” has been created, based on “People above platforms: AI in healthcare” published in “The Hindu” on 20th February 2026.
UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper-3- Science and technology
Context: Artificial Intelligence is increasingly being used in healthcare for diagnostic imaging, data analysis, and hospital workflow management. However, discussions during consultations on people-led AI in health in Delhi highlight that AI must be evaluated through a rights-based public health approach rather than technological hype.
Potential Benefits of AI in Healthcare
- AI has shown promise in radiology by improving accuracy in image recognition and early disease detection.
- AI-based analytics can support doctors in diagnosis when used in controlled clinical settings.
- AI tools can improve hospital workflow by assisting in record keeping, triage, and patient management.
- AI can help strengthen preventive care by reminding patients about medication adherence and follow-up visits.
Limitations of AI in Healthcare
- Healthcare involves ethical judgement, empathy, and social understanding, which AI cannot fully replicate.
- Many AI tools that perform well in pilot studies often fail in real-world hospital settings.
- AI systems are trained on limited datasets and may not reflect the diversity of Indian patients.
- Healthcare requires trust and communication between doctors and patients, which algorithms cannot replace.
Need to Protect Patients’ Rights
- AI systems often collect large amounts of health data, raising concerns about who owns and controls the data.
- Patients must have the right to understand AI-generated medical advice in simple language.
- Health data should be processed locally wherever possible to avoid misuse and centralisation.
- Patients must have the right to withdraw consent and control how their data is used in future.
- AI systems must be tested for caste, gender, regional, and socio-economic bias to ensure equity.
- Healthcare access should never be denied to patients who do not use AI-based systems.
AI Must Supplement Human Care
- AI should assist doctors in decision-making rather than replacing them.
- Medical decisions must remain with accountable healthcare professionals.
- Health workers such as ASHAs and nurses should not face job loss due to AI automation.
- Governments should conduct labour impact assessments before approving AI tools.
- AI tools must enhance the dignity, skills, and working conditions of health workers.
Political Economy of AI
- Many AI healthcare tools are developed by large private corporations aiming for profit.
- Centralised data systems may lead to corporatisation of healthcare services.
- Public data and public funds should be used to strengthen public health systems rather than private profits.
- AI should not create an elite healthcare system accessible only to wealthy patients.
Structural Problems in India’s Health System
- India faces chronic underinvestment in public healthcare infrastructure.
- There is a shortage of trained doctors, nurses, and health workers.
- Private healthcare remains poorly regulated in many areas.
- High out-of-pocket expenditure pushes many families into poverty.
- These structural issues cannot be solved only through technological solutions like AI.
Way Forward
- India must adopt a rights-based framework for AI in healthcare.
- AI tools must be transparent, accountable, and regularly audited.
- AI must be designed in regional languages to ensure accessibility.
- Public investment should focus on strengthening primary healthcare.
- Non-AI healthcare options must remain available for all patients.
- AI must be used only as a support tool while keeping doctors and health workers at the centre of care.
Conclusion: Artificial Intelligence can improve efficiency in healthcare, but it cannot replace human care or solve structural health system problems. India must ensure that AI serves patients’ rights, health equity, and public purpose while keeping health workers and public health systems at the centre of healthcare delivery.
Question: “Artificial Intelligence in healthcare must serve patients’ rights, health equity, and public purpose while remaining supplementary to human care.” Discuss in the context of India.
