Odisha Govt Rolls Out AI-Powered Maternal, Child Care in Rayagada

The pilot will deploy AI-based diagnostic kits to monitor the health of pregnant women throughout the gestation period.

Odisha state government is set to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven maternal and child health monitoring systems in the Rayagada district.

The project is aimed at reducing the maternal mortality rate (MMR) and infant mortality rate (IMR) in one of the state’s most vulnerable regions.

According to officials in the health and family welfare department, the pilot will deploy AI-based diagnostic kits to monitor the health of pregnant women throughout the gestation period.

By introducing this project, the government aims to bridge the gap between rural patients and quality healthcare in Rayagara, a region which has historically faced challenges in maternal and child healthcare due to its difficult terrain and poor connectivity.

About the AI Technology

The AI-enabled system has been designed to track the physical and cognitive development of the fetus from the earliest stages.

The kits will also enable real-time screening and generate instant health reports, which can be shared remotely with doctors for expert consultation.

Prafulla Padhi, a senior gynaecologist at Rayagada district headquarters hospital, said, “We have come to know about the government’s plan to launch AI tools in the district, although formal instructions are yet to be received. It’s a welcome step that can help us detect risks early and reduce complications during delivery.”

The project will equip Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and field workers with smartphones and training to use AI kits, collect health data, and upload it to a central system.

Further, the data will be analysed using machine learning to generate personalized health assessments for each pregnant woman.

Officials said the AI kits have been designed to be user-friendly and can be operated by health workers with minimal training.

Sharing thoughts, PK Mishra, additional district medical and public health officer of Rayagada, said, “Technology can be a game-changer for inclusive healthcare. With the help of AI kit, more patients can be treated in less time, and those in serious condition can receive immediate medical attention.”

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