India is emerging as a regional leader in AI adoption within healthcare, according to a new report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG). With growing pressure on infrastructure, workforce shortages, and rising disease burdens, artificial intelligence is being seen as a transformative tool to bridge gaps in access, cost, and efficiency across the Indian healthcare system.

Key Highlights

AI improves diagnostic speed, lowers costs

• AI-enabled radiology diagnostics can reduce reporting times by up to 46%.

• In mammography, AI adoption has brought down diagnostic costs by 66%.

• TB diagnosis costs have also seen significant reductions due to AI integration.

AI bridges healthcare access in rural India

• With India’s doctor-to-patient ratio at 1:900 and most doctors concentrated in urban areas, telemedicine powered by AI is enabling access for rural populations.

• AI-assisted screenings are helping scale early diagnosis and treatment in remote geographies.

India’s healthcare burden needs urgent innovation

• Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 66% of all deaths in the country.

• AI can help shift healthcare from reactive to proactive by enabling early detection and continuous monitoring.

Public-private collaboration is critical for AI adoption

• The report highlights the need for public-private-philanthropic partnerships to build fit-for-context solutions and drive last-mile adoption.

• National AI datasets, ethical governance policies, and incentives for startups are among the key enablers identified.

Statements from Leaders or Officials

•  “AI is reshaping India’s healthcare by making diagnostics smarter, treatment faster, and care more accessible,” said Sidharth Madaan, Managing Director and Partner at BCG.

•  Aparna Bijapurkar, also a BCG Partner, added, “This is not just a tech leap—it’s an economic one. But real impact needs aligned action across sectors.”

The BCG report underscores the urgency for India to scale AI solutions in healthcare, especially in areas of diagnostics and disease management. With the right infrastructure, ethical frameworks, and partnerships, India has the potential to not only transform its own healthcare system but also set the benchmark for South Asia in AI-led innovation.