Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel on Tuesday launched an online training programme on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Medical Education, developed by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The programme aims to equip nearly 50,000 doctors with a foundational understanding of AI and its practical applications in clinical practice, diagnostics, clinical decision-making, research and medical education. With over 42,000 doctors already registered, the initiative has received an encouraging response from the medical fraternity.
Addressing the launch event, Anupriya Patel described the initiative as timely and future-ready, noting that India’s growing burden of non-communicable diseases and the continuing challenge of tuberculosis call for a shift towards proactive and preventive healthcare. She said Artificial Intelligence in healthcare is no longer optional but a necessity, while emphasising that AI is meant to augment medical professionals, not replace them.
The Minister highlighted that AI-based tools can help bridge gaps caused by shortages of healthcare professionals and manage the increasing patient load. She stressed that the adoption of AI must be guided by ethical use, accountability and accessibility, ensuring patient safety and trust while strengthening healthcare delivery.
Congratulating NBEMS for conceptualising and implementing the programme, she appreciated the institution’s proactive role in leveraging emerging technologies to modernise medical education and healthcare services in the country.
Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava said the initiative marks an important step towards building capacity among doctors nationwide and promoting responsible adoption of new technologies, aligned with India’s vision of digital health.
Dr. Abhijat Sheth, President, NBEMS, said the programme reflects the organisation’s commitment to modernising medical education and enhancing doctors’ competencies. He thanked the Ministry for its continued support and expressed confidence that the initiative would contribute to improved healthcare outcomes across the country.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, NBEMS representatives, and national and international experts from medicine, medical education and healthcare technology participated virtually in the event.
