India is strengthening its efforts to apply artificial intelligence to healthcare through research initiatives led by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, and the Translational AI for Networked Universal Healthcare (TANUH). Their work includes AI-powered cancer screening technologies and the development of medical AI models designed around the Indian population, with the broader objective of improving early detection and expanding access to healthcare.
The initiatives address two important challenges: the limited availability of specialist healthcare services in several parts of the country and the need for AI systems that account for India's population-specific health characteristics.
AI Technology Targets Earlier Cancer Detection
One of the key developments is Aarogya Aarohan, a smartphone-based artificial intelligence tool designed to assist with the early screening of oral cancer and potentially malignant oral disorders.
The application analyses images of the oral cavity captured using a mobile phone under white light. Its AI system classifies the images into suspicious and non-suspicious categories, helping frontline healthcare workers identify cases that may require further medical evaluation.
The technology is designed to operate directly on mobile devices, including in environments without reliable internet connectivity. This capability could make it useful in primary healthcare centres and communities where access to specialist services remains limited.
Oral cancer continues to present a significant public health challenge in India. Delays in identifying suspicious lesions can result in patients reaching medical facilities at advanced stages of the disease. A screening tool that provides an immediate assessment could help healthcare workers initiate counselling and referrals more efficiently.
However, the application is intended to support screening rather than replace a definitive medical diagnosis. Patients identified as potentially at risk still require appropriate clinical assessment and follow-up.
IndiNeuroFM Focuses on the Indian Brain
Alongside cancer screening, IISc's Centre for Brain Research and TANUH are collaborating on IndiNeuroFM, a project to develop a medical foundation model specifically designed for the Indian population.
The initiative aims to build an AI system capable of working with multiple types of brain-health information. Its development is based on the recognition that medical AI models trained predominantly on Western populations may not fully reflect India's biological diversity, disease patterns, ageing characteristics and nutritional factors.
By incorporating information relevant to Indian population groups and clinical settings, IndiNeuroFM seeks to improve the contextual relevance of AI-assisted brain-health research.
The project also reflects a wider push towards developing medical AI capabilities within India, rather than relying exclusively on models created using data from other countries.
Its potential relevance extends to research into ageing and neurological conditions, although the model's clinical effectiveness will need to be established through appropriate research and validation.
Building AI for India's Healthcare System
TANUH's work extends beyond these two initiatives. The healthcare AI centre focuses on developing tools for conditions including breast cancer, retinal diseases, diabetes and mental health challenges.
Its approach emphasises translating research into practical applications that can support doctors and frontline health workers. Developing technology is only one part of this process; clinical validation, responsible use of patient data and integration into existing healthcare services are also important considerations.
For AI-powered screening systems, reliability across different patient groups and healthcare environments will be essential. Accessibility, affordability and appropriate clinical oversight will also influence whether these technologies can deliver meaningful benefits at scale.
What Comes Next?
The progress of IISc and TANUH highlights India's growing interest in developing healthcare AI suited to domestic needs. Smartphone-based cancer screening could help extend preliminary assessments into underserved communities, while IndiNeuroFM represents an effort to build population-specific intelligence for brain-health research.
The long-term impact will depend on clinical evidence, regulatory requirements and successful implementation within healthcare systems. If these challenges are addressed, such initiatives could strengthen early screening, support medical research and contribute to more accessible healthcare across India.
