Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly emerging as a transformative force in healthcare, reshaping how care is delivered and managed. Recognising the urgency and scale of this transformation, Policybazaar for Business, the corporate arm of one of India’s largest insurance platforms, has released a whitepaper titled Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Revolutionising Patient Care and System Efficiency. The study underscores the importance of integrating AI within India’s healthcare ecosystem while addressing the accompanying challenges of risk, responsibility, and professional indemnity.
Bridging Gaps in India’s Healthcare Infrastructure
India’s healthcare system faces a significant infrastructure gap, with only about 1.3–1.4 hospital beds per 1,000 population—far below the recommended threshold of three. The whitepaper outlines how AI-driven technologies can alleviate systemic pressure by improving efficiency and reducing diagnostic turnaround times by up to 80%, particularly in radiology. Faster diagnosis leads to timely treatment and better outcomes, especially in underserved regions where healthcare resources are limited.
Real-World Impact: AI in Action
The whitepaper showcases several practical examples of AI transforming care delivery across India:
Qure.ai’s qXR tool is screening for tuberculosis in remote districts.
Niramai’s Thermalytix platform enables early, non-invasive breast cancer detection through thermal imaging.
Manipal Hospitals have reduced patient discharge times from 4–8 hours to about one hour with AI-based automation.
Strand Life Sciences leverages AI-driven genomics to offer personalised cancer therapies.
Digital health platforms such as Practo, Mfine, and Apollo 24/7 use AI for triage, chatbot consultations, and patient management—collectively assisting millions each month.
Accountability and Risk in the Age of AI
As AI tools move from supporting clinicians to actively influencing medical decisions, the question of accountability becomes increasingly complex. When algorithms interpret scans or recommend treatments, determining liability for errors or misjudgments is no longer straightforward.
Despite this shift, only around 20% of Indian doctors currently hold professional indemnity (PI) insurance, and most existing policies do not adequately address AI-related risks. Policybazaar for Business is collaborating with healthcare professionals to modernise indemnity frameworks, ensuring coverage for errors or disputes arising from AI-assisted decisions, particularly in critical specialities such as cardiology and oncology.
Securing the Future of AI-Driven Medicine
The report projects that by 2030, AI could help reduce diagnostic errors by up to 30%, while telemedicine initiatives under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission may extend access to quality care for nearly 500 million Indians. With over $1.4 billion in private AI investment recorded this year, India has emerged as one of the top ten global markets for AI innovation.
The integration of AI promises to revolutionise patient care, enhance efficiency, and bridge healthcare gaps—but it also demands a robust framework of accountability, trust, and legal protection. As India moves toward an AI-empowered healthcare future, evolving professional indemnity models will play a vital role in ensuring that innovation and responsibility advance hand in hand.
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