India's digital healthcare infrastructure could help improve disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention, according to Dr M Srinivas, a NITI Aayog member and former director of AIIMS Delhi. He said data generated through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) could have significant potential for India and other countries across the Global South.
Speaking at the 20th edition of FICCI HEAL 2026, themed HEAL@20: From Vision to Value, Srinivas highlighted the country's developing digital health ecosystem. He said that using health information effectively could allow artificial intelligence (AI) to support better clinical decisions and healthcare outcomes.
The ABDM aims to strengthen India's digital health infrastructure by enabling the exchange of health information through connected systems. Interoperable records could help healthcare professionals access relevant patient information across participating services, subject to applicable consent, privacy and security safeguards.
However, Srinivas's remarks also addressed challenges beyond technology. He called for minimum quality and safety standards across hospitals, highlighting the importance of improving healthcare delivery alongside digital innovation.
He also urged private healthcare providers to expand affordable services in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, where access to specialised care can be a challenge for some communities.
Another priority he highlighted was the prevention of non-communicable diseases. Greater emphasis on prevention could help reduce the burden on hospitals, rather than relying mainly on treatment after illnesses become serious.
The broader challenge is to ensure that digital health tools translate into practical benefits for patients. This requires reliable systems, appropriate protection of sensitive medical information, consistent standards of care and more equitable access to healthcare services.
India's digital health initiatives could support improvements in healthcare delivery, but their impact will depend on how effectively technology is combined with patient safety, affordability and access to quality treatment.

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