As India gears up for the forthcoming election of the 18th Lok Sabha, healthcare leaders have voiced their anticipation regarding the interim 2024-2025 budget, especially in the realm of technology investment, notably in AI. Nirmala Sitharaman, the union minister of Finance, disclosed the government’s interim budget, which includes a provisional allocation of Rs 90,171 crore ($10.8 billion) for healthcare in the upcoming fiscal year.
This marks a significant increase from the previous year’s budget, signaling a commitment to bolstering the healthcare sector. However, amidst the announcements, there remains a conspicuous absence of concrete plans for AI integration in healthcare, leaving industry stakeholders seeking clarity.
Strategic investments and key initiatives
The interim budget outlines several key initiatives aimed at improving healthcare accessibility and quality across India. Among these is the extension of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, a health assurance scheme that will now include an additional 1.5 million community health workers, ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist), and rural childcare workers. This expansion is poised to fortify the grassroots health infrastructure significantly.
Furthermore, the government has pledged to establish more medical and nursing colleges to mitigate the shortage of healthcare professionals, a move that is critical to enhancing India’s medical education and training landscape. Additionally, the nationwide rollout of the U-WIN immunization management platform and a vaccination campaign targeting cervical cancer prevention among girls aged 9-14 underscores the government’s proactive approach towards public health management and disease prevention.
Another highlight is the increased budget allocation for biotechnology research and development, which has been doubled to Rs 1,100 crore ($132.5 million). This investment is expected to catalyze innovation and research, particularly in addressing pressing health challenges like antimicrobial resistance and the early detection of heart disease and cancers.
The call for increased focus on tech and innovation
The healthcare industry has responded positively to the budget announcement, with leaders lauding the focus on research, infrastructure, and accessibility. Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Chairman of Apollo Hospitals, commended the Rs 1 trillion ($12 billion) budget for states, which includes interest-free loans to support research and innovation in healthcare technology among other “sunrise sectors.” However, Dr. Reddy also emphasized the need for greater investment in preventive healthcare and called for increased tax exemptions in this area to combat the rise in non-communicable diseases.
Despite the optimism, there is a noted call for clarity on the government’s plans for integrating AI into healthcare. Rustom Lawyer, CEO and founder of Augnito, highlighted the absence of concrete AI strategies in the interim budget. He expressed hope that the official budget in July would provide a clearer direction, especially given the strategic importance of deep tech for national development.
Charting the future of healthcare AI in India
As the industry awaits further details, there is a consensus on the urgent need for a dedicated roadmap to harness AI’s potential in healthcare. Experts argue for the establishment of national AI research centers, the development of robust ethical frameworks, and the implementation of measures to ensure data security and privacy. The vision includes leveraging AI for diagnostics, expanding telehealth services, and fostering collaboration through standardised data formats and a national health data repository.
Equipping healthcare professionals with digital literacy and AI training is also deemed crucial. This initiative aims to prepare medical staff to confidently use AI-powered tools for diagnostics and care, thereby enhancing the quality of healthcare delivery.
India’s interim 2024 health budget represents a pivotal step towards integrating technology and innovation into its healthcare system. While the budget has been met with optimism for its focus on infrastructure and accessibility, the healthcare sector eagerly anticipates further details on the role of AI in shaping the future of healthcare in India. By investing in technology, research, and training, India not only aims to address immediate health challenges but also to position itself as a global leader in healthcare innovation and delivery.
