AIIMS Patna Partners with Health Ministry to Advance AI-Powered Healthcare Solutions

AI-enabled medical devices and AI-based TB screening to transform diagnostics and treatment across Bihar.

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna, has joined hands with the e-health division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to develop and implement artificial intelligence (AI)-based healthcare solutions, as TOI reported.

This collaboration aims to strengthen AI adoption in patient care, research, and education, reinforcing the institute’s commitment to modernizing healthcare delivery.

AI in Diagnostics & Treatment

As part of this initiative, AIIMS-Patna has procured several AI-enabled medical devices to enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve treatment outcomes. 

Dr. Sanjiv Kumar, Head of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department at AIIMS-Patna, emphasized the growing role of AI in medical education and clinical practice. 

“AI algorithms can detect conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders by interpreting X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. These systems help doctors identify patterns that may otherwise go unnoticed, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy,” he explained.

Highlighting one such application, Dr. Kumar noted that even medical beginners can now accurately interpret ECGs using AI-driven tools. 

He added that the institute’s orthopedic department has started robotic-assisted surgeries, further showcasing AI’s role in achieving higher precision in treatment.

AI-Driven TB Screening Initiative

In a related move, the Bihar State Health Department has launched an AI-based intensive tuberculosis (TB) screening program. 

Mobile teams equipped with handheld X-ray machines and AI-powered diagnostic kits will conduct screenings across rural areas, aiming to detect undiagnosed TB cases efficiently and at scale.

According to the health department, Bihar currently has around 2 lakh TB patients, with over 10,000 deaths reported in the last two years (2022–2024). 

The AI technology will assist in the instant detection of TB symptoms from X-ray images while also recommending treatment protocols based on patients’ diagnostic reports.

Dr. Pramod Kumar Singh, Director-in-Chief (Disease Control), stated that the screening would help generate a more accurate estimate of TB cases in the state and enable faster treatment initiation. 

“AI will guide both detection and decision-making, ensuring a prompt and structured approach to care,” he said.

Dr. Satish Kumar from Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH) stressed the need for broader deployment of AI-powered equipment across all healthcare centers in Bihar. 

He noted that such tools can significantly reduce diagnostic time, decrease the patient load at tertiary hospitals, and ensure timely and effective treatment.

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