The Kerala Government, in collaboration with Remidio, has introduced Nayanamritham 2.0, an AI-enabled eye screening program for early detection of chronic eye conditions. The state government initiative is based on the success of Nayanamritham 1.0, but with the inclusion of advanced AI technology to further enhance accessibility and efficiency in eye care services across Kerala.

Key Highlights:
Increase in Screening Scope:

• Nayanamritham 1.0 focused on diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening at Family Health Centers.

• Nayanamritham 2.0 now includes glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) screening as well.

AI-Aided Screening with Instant Classification:
The program equips optometrists with Remidio's AI-powered fundus cameras that classify cases as referable or non-referable instantly, allowing for faster diagnoses and timely referrals.

Scaling Across Healthcare Facilities:
The program has been made accessible to Community Health Centers, Taluk Hospitals, and District Hospitals, integrating AI-based eye screening at every level of the health system.

Worldwide Benchmark in AI-Driven Eye Care:
Kerala is creating a global benchmark by integrating ophthalmic AI into routine clinical workflows, scaling up screening programs to be scalable, efficient, and cost-effective.

Statements from Officials:
Dr. Bipin Gopal, Deputy Director, Directorate of Health Services (DHS), Government of Kerala:
"AI is not arriving to displace healthcare providers—it's arriving to enable them. By leveraging ethical AI, we're enabling optometrists to detect standard cases, and ophthalmologists can focus on intricate cases, with the utmost care."With Nayanamritham 2.0, Kerala is leading AI-driven innovations in eye care to reduce avoidable blindness, enhance patient care, and increase the early detection of chronic eye disorders. This is a testament to Kerala's determination to leverage technology to develop its public healthcare.