India Launches AI Training Programme to Strengthen Skills of 50,000 Doctors

The initiative, developed by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, has already attracted more than 42,000 doctors, signalling strong interest in building digital competencies across the medical workforce.

India has launched a nationwide AI training programme to equip nearly 50,000 doctors with essential digital health skills, as the government seeks to strengthen clinical decision-making, diagnostics and medical education in an increasingly technology-driven healthcare system.

The initiative, developed by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, has already attracted more than 42,000 doctors, signalling strong interest in building digital competencies across the medical workforce.

The training has been launched by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare as part of broader efforts to modernise India’s healthcare delivery and align medical education with emerging technologies.

Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, described the initiative as timely, particularly as India faces a growing burden of non-communicable diseases alongside the continued challenge of tuberculosis. She noted that AI training can support a shift in healthcare from reactive treatment to more preventive and proactive approaches, especially in resource-constrained settings.

She also emphasised that AI should be viewed as an enabler rather than a replacement for medical professionals. According to her, artificial intelligence can augment doctors’ capabilities, help address shortages of healthcare workers and manage increasing patient loads, while final clinical decisions must remain with trained professionals.

At the same time, the Minister stressed that the expansion of AI training in healthcare must be guided by ethical and accountable practices. Protecting patient safety, ensuring transparency and maintaining trust in medical systems were highlighted as essential principles as digital tools become more widely adopted.

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava described the programme as an important step towards nationwide capacity building. She underlined that responsible adoption of emerging technologies such as AI is critical for improving healthcare outcomes and advancing India’s broader digital health vision.

NBEMS President Dr Abhijat Sheth stated that the AI training programme reflects the organisation’s commitment to modernising medical education and strengthening professional capacity. He acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and expressed confidence that the initiative would empower doctors across India.

The AI training programme focuses on how artificial intelligence can support clinical practice, diagnostics, clinical decision-making, research activities and teaching methodologies. By strengthening digital health skills, the initiative seeks to help doctors integrate AI-enabled tools into patient care while maintaining professional judgment and clinical responsibility.

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