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Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda Releases AI in MedTech Knowledge Paper on 8 August 2026 in New Delhi

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda released a knowledge paper titled “AI in MedTech: Revolutionising Healthcare Through Artificial Intelligence” on Saturday, 8 August 2026, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The release took place during the 9th edition of India Medical Device 2026, organised by the Department of Pharmaceuticals in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

The paper was jointly developed by Praxis Global Alliance and FICCI. It examines India’s evolving AI-enabled medical technology landscape and sets out strategic actions required to move AI solutions from pilot projects into routine clinical use. The document identifies five priorities for accelerating responsible AI adoption in healthcare.

These priorities include recognising MedTech as India’s most immediate and scalable AI opportunity, building on existing foundations while closing ecosystem gaps, moving beyond successful pilots to widespread clinical adoption, prioritising AI-enabled diagnostics as the first large-scale application, and strengthening coordinated action across government, industry, healthcare providers and academia.

The paper notes that India has already laid important groundwork through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, the IndiaAI Mission, SAHI, BODH and the National Medical Devices Policy, 2023. It states that the next phase requires addressing fragmented health data and limited clinical evidence, establishing predictable lifecycle-based regulation suited to adaptive AI systems, and creating procurement and reimbursement mechanisms that recognise the value of AI-enabled devices and diagnostics.

AI-enabled diagnostics are highlighted as the application most ready for scale. The paper indicates that such tools can embed specialist-level analysis into devices used at primary and secondary care levels, improve productivity and help reduce disparities in access to quality healthcare across different regions of the country.

The release at Vigyan Bhawan on 8 August 2026 therefore places on record the government’s current assessment of both the opportunities and the regulatory and ecosystem requirements for integrating artificial intelligence into India’s medical devices and diagnostic systems.