Dr M Srinivas Calls Ayushman Bharat Data a Gamechanger for India & the Global South

He also highlighted the government's efforts to establish interoperable health information systems through the National Health Authority.

Ayushman Bharat Data could reshape healthcare delivery in India and the Global South by enabling greater use of AI and connected health records, Dr M Srinivas, a Member of NITI Aayog, said.

Speaking at a recent event, Srinivas said, "Through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, India has created a robust digital health ecosystem. Once this data is harnessed, AI can be optimally utilised, allowing us to achieve transformative outcomes not only for the nation but also for the Global South."

He also highlighted the government's efforts to establish interoperable health information systems through the National Health Authority (NHA).

"Through the National Health Authority, we are coming out with structured data with interoperability, like one nation, one election. We will have one platform of ABHA ID and electronic health records which will be interoperable. That's something which we are pushing for," he added.

Beyond digital infrastructure, Srinivas emphasised the need to strengthen patient safety and healthcare quality across hospitals.

He called for a minimum standard of quality and safety that patients could expect regardless of the hospital they visit, adding that India should work towards international recognition for consistent standards of patient care.

He also urged private hospitals to support broader access to affordable healthcare, particularly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, where uneven distribution of healthcare services can limit access to treatment.

Dr Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, Chair of the FICCI Health Services Committee and MD and CEO of Fortis Healthcare, said the healthcare sector must balance advanced capabilities with affordability, accessibility and public trust as India works towards its Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

He highlighted the importance of sustained investment, preventive care, early diagnosis, a skilled workforce and stronger public-private collaboration.

Meanwhile, Anuj Pasrija, Country Lead, J&J MedTech India, and VP-Surgery at Johnson & Johnson, said future hospitals would be defined by their ability to maintain connections with patients throughout their care journey, rather than by infrastructure alone.

Through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), India has introduced the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA), a digital health account that enables individuals to participate in the digital health ecosystem and share health records with their consent.

As the ecosystem develops, the effective use of structured health data could create opportunities for AI applications in healthcare, including improved decision-making and more data-informed health planning.

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