Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Launches Department of AI in Healthcare

The department aims to translate AI research into real-world solutions for diagnosis, treatment, education, and public health; and train future leaders in predictive analytics, medical imaging, personalized medicine, and decision support systems.

Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal, a constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), has launched the Department of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare, marking the first such initiative in a medical college in India.

The department aims to advance research, education, and clinical applications by bringing together medicine, engineering, and data science; translate AI research into real-world solutions for diagnosis, treatment, education, and public health; and train future leaders in predictive analytics, medical imaging, personalized medicine, and decision support systems.

The department was inaugurated by Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice Chancellor of MAHE, who emphasized the importance of collective, interdisciplinary collaboration.

“The future of healthcare is inextricable linked with technology. This department is not just a new academic unit; it is a statement of our commitment to leading healthcare revolution. It will require a collective, interdisciplinary effort to position MAHE as nation’s pioneer in translating AI research into real-world clinical practice,” he said.

Dr. Sharath K. Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences), MAHE, presided over the event and shared the institution’s ambitious vision. “We envision a 360-degree implementation of AI across healthcare spectrum. This goes beyond diagnostics and treatment to fundamentally reshape medical education itself, fostering AI literacy in all our student community,” he stated. Stressing responsible innovation, he added, “the importance of recognizing the limitations of AI and ensuring that its application remains under appropriate human oversight.”

The department will be led by coordinators Dr. Rachana and Dr. Preethi Shetty, supported by faculty from KMC Manipal, Manipal Institute of Technology, Information and Data Sciences, Public Health, and mentorship from KMC and MAHE leadership.

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