Government Leverages AI to Enhance TB and Diabetes Diagnosis

The Indian government is harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize public health services, particularly in the diagnosis of tuberculosis and diabetes. Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, detailed these initiatives in a written response to the Lok Sabha, highlighting that the Ministry of Health has established AIIMS Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, and AIIMS Rishikesh as ‘Centres of Excellence (CoE) for Artificial Intelligence’.

These centers are tasked with advancing the development and application of AI-based solutions in healthcare. Among these innovations is the Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) integrated into the national telemedicine platform, eSanjeevani. This system aims to improve the quality of consultations by streamlining the entry of patient complaints and providing AI-based differential diagnosis recommendations.

One notable AI application is the MadhuNetrAI system, which assists non-specialist health workers in screening for diabetic retinopathy. By analyzing retinal fundus images, this solution automates the detection process, ensuring standardized and efficient triage. Jadhav reported that the MadhuNetrAI solution has been implemented across 38 facilities in 11 states, screening over 14,000 retinal images and benefiting approximately 7,100 patients.

The government is also utilizing the Cough against TB (CATB) AI solution to enhance the screening of pulmonary tuberculosis in community settings. According to Jadhav, this solution has increased the reported cases of tuberculosis by an additional 12-16 percent compared to conventional screening methods. From March 2023 to November 30, 2025, the CATB solution is projected to screen more than 162,000 individuals.

Another significant development is the integration of the CDSS into eSanjeevani. Since its launch in April 2023, this system has facilitated 282 million consultations, ensuring consistent data capture across health and wellness centers. This integration aims to enhance operational efficiency and improve patient outcomes.

The Ministry of Health is committed to adhering to applicable standards and government policies, including the AI Governance Guidelines by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Ethical Guidelines for Application of AI in Biomedical Research and Healthcare by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Compliance with the Information Technology Act 2000, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, and relevant information security policies further ensures the reliability of these AI-driven solutions.

As India continues to integrate AI into its healthcare framework, the potential to improve diagnosis and patient management for diseases like tuberculosis and diabetes is significant. These advancements reflect a broader commitment to enhancing public health through technology, aiming for better health outcomes across the nation.