India Health Insights: Dec 18- 24

NHA reveals that over 90% of Bihar's government hospitals have gone paperless

The National Health Authority (NHA) has reported a significant milestone in Bihar's digital health transformation, revealing that over 90% of the state's government hospitals have successfully transitioned to paperless operations. This achievement was highlighted during a comprehensive review led by NHA CEO Sunil Barnwal, which assessed the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) across all 38 districts. The review showcased the widespread adoption of key digital interventions, including ABHA ID-based QR registration, digital OPD slips, and real-time patient tracking systems that streamline hospital workflows.

The meeting also emphasized the successful integration of paperless pharmacy dispensing and automated prescription updates, which have drastically reduced administrative burdens. Building on this success, the NHA outlined the next phase of the mission: extending these digital services to inpatient (IPD) care and integrating private healthcare providers into the ecosystem. The state aims to enroll more private professionals in the Health Professional Registry and encourage the adoption of ABDM-compliant Hospital Management Information Systems, ensuring a unified, efficient health delivery network across Bihar.

Read the original article at: https://vohnetwork.com/news/policy/from-abha-ids-to-paperless-pharmacies-nha-fast-tracks-bihars-health-tech-transformation

The Health Ministry expands its digital push, designating AIIMS and PGIMER to roll out AI tools for TB and diabetic retinopathy screening across 11 states

The Union Health Ministry has officially designated AIIMS Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, and AIIMS Rishikesh as 'Centres of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence,' marking a major expansion of its digital health initiatives. This strategic move aims to accelerate the deployment of AI-based diagnostic solutions across the public health network. Key among these are "MadhuNetrAI," an AI-powered tool for detecting diabetic retinopathy, and "Cough against TB," a solution designed to screen for pulmonary tuberculosis in community settings. These tools have already been rolled out across 38 facilities in 11 states, demonstrating significant impact.

Early data shows that "MadhuNetrAI" has assisted in screening over 14,000 retinal images, while the "Cough against TB" solution has screened nearly 1.62 lakh individuals, increasing tuberculosis case reporting by 12-16%. Furthermore, these AI capabilities are being integrated into the national telemedicine platform, eSanjeevani, to enhance clinical decision support. By leveraging these premier institutions as hubs for innovation, the government aims to standardize AI adoption, ensuring these advanced diagnostic capabilities reach underserved and remote populations effectively.

Read the original article at: https://ddindia.co.in/2025/12/ai-based-diagnostic-tools-gain-traction-as-health-ministry-expands-digital-initiatives/

Ujala Cygnus Srinagar becomes the first hospital in the city to earn the prestigious NABH Emergency Excellence award, setting a new benchmark for critical care in J&K

Ujala Cygnus Srinagar has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first hospital in Srinagar—and only the second in the entire Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir—to receive the prestigious NABH Emergency Excellence certification. This recognition underscores the hospital's adherence to the rigorous standards set by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH), specifically in the domain of critical and emergency care. The certification is a testament to the facility's advanced clinical readiness and its successful adoption of cutting-edge emergency technologies.

To secure this accreditation, the hospital implemented several high-tech upgrades, including digital triage systems, automated vital sign monitoring, and rapid diagnostic solutions such as bedside ABG analyzers. These innovations have streamlined workflow, enabling faster decision-making and stabilization of critically ill patients. Hospital leadership emphasized that this achievement is not just an award but a responsibility to maintain the highest safety protocols. By setting this new benchmark, Ujala Cygnus aims to elevate the overall standard of emergency medicine in the region, ensuring world-class critical care is accessible to the local population.

Read the original article at: https://risingkashmir.com/ujala-cygnus-srinagar-sets-emergency-care-benchmark/

India will unveil a native, voice-based Large Language Model (LLM) before the Delhi AI Summit, aiming to democratize access to digital services

In a significant move to bridge the digital divide, the Government of India has announced plans to unveil a native, voice-based Large Language Model (LLM) ahead of the upcoming Delhi AI Summit in early 2026. Senior officials from the Ministry of Electronics and IT confirmed the roadmap during discussions with technology leaders in Silicon Valley, emphasizing that the new model is designed to "democratize access" for the estimated 500 million Indians currently unconnected to the digital ecosystem. The project is being spearheaded by premier institutes, including IIT Madras and IIT Bombay, ensuring the technology is built on indigenous datasets and diverse linguistic contexts.

The voice-first approach addresses a critical barrier to entry—literacy and typing proficiency—allowing users to access government schemes, healthcare information, and educational resources through natural speech in their native tongues. The initiative is part of a broader "India AI Mission," which also includes the launch of the "AI Coach" platform hosting over 3,500 public and private datasets to fuel innovation. This launch aims to position India not just as a consumer of AI, but as a global leader in inclusive, scalable AI solutions for the developing world.

Read the original article at: https://www.zeebiz.com/technology/news-india-tells-silicon-valley-it-will-unveil-voice-based-llm-before-delhi-ai-summit-385019

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