How AI can be optimised for better healthcare, Pg9

Key Highlights:

• Over 1,000 AI-enabled medical devices were authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by January 2025, indicating global adoption.
• The National Health Service (NHS) in the U.K. issued guidance for AI-enabled ambient scribing and is developing a national adoption program.
• India has linked over 100 crore health records to Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts by May 2026, establishing a strong digital foundation.
• The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) Scan and Share service has significantly reduced outpatient registration times at participating hospitals.
• AI can optimize healthcare by prioritizing tasks, alerting care teams, and supporting complex cases, enhancing existing capacity efficiency.

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Detailed Insights:

• AI helps address challenges such as the concentration of specialist care in urban areas and the extensive monitoring required for chronic conditions.
• A January 2026 McKinsey analysis estimated that AI could reduce healthcare revenue-cycle costs by 30% to 60%.
• These financial benefits can free up resources for clinical teams, equipment, and capacity, while also reducing administrative staff burden.
• AI enables new service models like remote monitoring, risk-based preventive programs, and virtual specialist support, expanding care access.
• Judicious AI implementation necessitates clinical validation, representative data, and human oversight to ensure performance across diverse populations.
• The U.S. FDA in September 2025 emphasized the need for improved real-world evaluation methods for AI-enabled medical devices.
• AI's contribution to healthcare is crucial for India's economic development by enhancing population health, longevity, and productivity.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Computer systems performing tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as learning and problem-solving.
• Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM): India's initiative to create an integrated digital health infrastructure for universal health coverage.
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): U.S. federal agency ensuring the safety and efficacy of medical devices and public health.
• National Health Service (NHS): The publicly funded healthcare system of the United Kingdom.