Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a fixture in India’s healthcare sector, with new research indicating a sharp rise in its adoption by clinicians. According to a recent global study, around 40 percent of clinicians in India are now using AI tools in their work, marking a threefold increase compared with last year. The report suggests that India is among the fastest-growing markets for AI in clinical settings, with usage expanding beyond early adopters to become part of everyday practice.
The findings highlight how healthcare professionals across the country are increasingly relying on AI systems for clinical decision support, diagnostic imaging, patient data analysis, and administrative efficiency. The growth reflects not only a shift in perception toward AI but also the impact of recent investments in healthcare technology infrastructure, particularly in hospitals and diagnostic networks.
The study notes that in 2024, only about 13 percent of Indian clinicians were using AI in their workflows. Within a year, that number has jumped significantly, driven by both necessity and opportunity. Clinicians are using AI-enabled tools to speed up diagnosis, streamline paperwork, and access patient insights that would otherwise take considerable time to compile manually. Radiology, pathology, and oncology have emerged as strong use cases where AI applications are providing tangible support to clinicians.
Globally, the report underscores a similar trajectory of growth, but India’s acceleration is notable for its scale and pace. Experts attribute this to the country’s dual challenge of a large population and limited healthcare resources, which has created strong incentives for the adoption of technology that can bridge systemic gaps. In India, AI is often being used as an enabler rather than a replacement, helping doctors make more informed choices while allowing them to dedicate more time to patient interaction.
However, the report also cautions that despite the impressive surge, significant institutional gaps could stall momentum if not addressed. Issues such as inconsistent digital infrastructure across regions, limited training for medical professionals on how to use AI responsibly, and a lack of clear national guidelines on ethical deployment remain key challenges. The absence of a standardized framework for integrating AI into hospital systems means that adoption is uneven, with advanced hospitals in metros leading the way, while smaller facilities in rural areas lag behind.
Data privacy and security are also flagged as concerns. While India has recently passed the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, many hospitals are still developing compliance frameworks. Clinicians expressed worries about the long-term safety of patient information when processed through AI platforms, especially those that rely on cloud services. Experts say strong regulatory oversight and transparent audit systems will be essential to maintaining trust as AI becomes more pervasive in medical practice.
Another challenge lies in clinician readiness. While enthusiasm for AI tools is high, there is an ongoing need for training and education to ensure that doctors can critically assess AI recommendations and avoid overreliance on automated systems. Professional bodies and medical colleges are being urged to integrate AI literacy into their training modules so that the next generation of doctors is better equipped to use these technologies effectively.
The report also highlights encouraging examples of how AI is being put to use in India. Hospitals are deploying AI for predictive analytics in intensive care units, identifying early warning signs for patient deterioration. Startups are working on AI-powered platforms for triaging patients in primary healthcare centers. Telemedicine platforms are embedding AI tools to support doctors in remote consultations, enabling them to make quicker and more accurate diagnoses despite the challenges of distance.
Industry stakeholders believe the growth of AI in healthcare can also improve accessibility. By reducing bottlenecks and increasing efficiency, AI-enabled workflows could help address India’s shortage of doctors, which continues to be a significant concern. With nearly 1.4 billion people and an average doctor-to-patient ratio below World Health Organization recommendations, AI could become an important equalizer in bridging the care gap.
The rapid pace of adoption has caught the attention of policymakers as well. India’s national AI mission and the broader digital health strategy are expected to provide more clarity on the role of AI in healthcare in the coming years. For now, the surge in adoption among clinicians is seen as an encouraging sign of grassroots acceptance of the technology, even as institutional frameworks struggle to catch up.
Ultimately, the growth of AI in Indian healthcare is less about replacing human expertise and more about augmenting it. The steep rise in usage indicates that clinicians view AI as a practical tool that can reduce routine burdens and help them focus on complex, human-centered aspects of care. The next phase will require building stronger institutional support to ensure that adoption continues in a safe, equitable, and scalable manner.