At the bustling Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, Union Health Minister J P Nadda unveiled a new policy document during the ninth edition of India Medical Device 2026. The paper, titled AI in MedTech: Revolutionising Healthcare Through Artificial Intelligence, was released in partnership with Praxis Global Alliance and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI). It outlines five priority areas that the government believes will accelerate responsible AI adoption across India’s health sector.

The first priority centers on AI‑enabled diagnostics. According to the paper, these systems can extend specialist expertise to primary and secondary care settings, boost clinical productivity, and help reduce disparities in access to medical services. The report stresses that fragmented health data, limited evidence bases, and the absence of a clear regulatory framework for adaptive AI must be addressed. It calls for predictable, lifecycle‑based regulation, as well as procurement and reimbursement mechanisms that support the deployment of AI solutions.

India has already laid a foundation for AI in healthcare through several initiatives. The document cites the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, the IndiaAI Mission, the SAHI (Smart Health Infrastructure for India) programme, the BODH (Bharat Open Data Hub), and the National Medical Devices Policy of 2023. These programmes have created digital health records, data‑sharing protocols, and a policy environment that encourages innovation. Yet AI adoption remains constrained by data fragmentation, evolving regulatory guidance, and limited reimbursement pathways. The paper urges coordinated action from the government, regulators, health‑care providers, industry stakeholders, payers, and academia.

The report also highlights India’s unique position to become a global leader in the responsible development, manufacturing, and deployment of AI‑enabled medical technologies. It argues that the country’s software capabilities, digital public infrastructure, diverse clinical settings, and growing MedTech manufacturing base provide a strong platform for scaling AI solutions. By leveraging these strengths, India can set international standards for ethical and effective AI use in medicine.

While the knowledge paper does not prescribe specific AI products or timelines, it lays out a roadmap for moving AI projects from pilot stages to widespread clinical adoption. The emphasis is on evidence generation, data interoperability, and clear regulatory pathways. The document recommends that procurement agencies develop AI‑specific criteria and that reimbursement schemes be updated to reflect the value added by AI diagnostics and decision‑support tools.

In the coming months, the Ministry is expected to issue further guidance on AI regulation and to explore partnerships with industry and academia to build the necessary evidence base. The paper’s release coincides with the ongoing IndiaAI Mission, which has allocated over ₹10 371 crore to support AI development across sectors, including health. The Ministry’s focus on AI in MedTech signals a broader commitment to integrating digital technologies into India’s health system.

The knowledge paper represents a significant policy step toward mainstreaming AI in Indian healthcare. It clarifies the government’s priorities, acknowledges existing barriers, and outlines a coordinated approach to overcome them. The next phase will involve translating these priorities into concrete regulatory reforms, procurement guidelines, and reimbursement policies that can bring AI‑enabled diagnostics and other MedTech solutions from the laboratory to patients across the country.