University of Leicester & CCDC Programme to Use AI Diagnostics in Mobile Units for Digital Health Records

The University of Leicester in the UK, in collaboration with the Centre for Chronic Disease Control based in New Delhi, has launched a new research initiative called “Integrated, co-developed intervention for detection and management of cardiometabolic risk factors in older Indians (CARDIO-India).”

This programme, backed by a £5 million (approximately ₹62 crore) investment from the National Institute for Health and Care Research, aims to enhance the detection and management of cardiometabolic risk factors among individuals aged 60 and older.

Sharing thoughts, Kamlesh Khunti, Professor of Primary Care Diabetes and Vascular Medicine at the University of Leicester, said, “We at the University of Leicester are excited to collaborate with CCDC on CARDIO-India, which will focus on the care of older adults with cardiovascular disease and its risk factors across India. As a country with a predominantly young population today, India must begin preparing its health systems for the needs of an ageing population. CARDIO-India is our effort to support that transition by strengthening ambulatory care.”

This demographic is particularly vulnerable to cardiovascular diseases, yet faces challenges in accessing screening services and long-term management options. Cardiovascular diseases currently account for over 25 percent of all mortality in India, underscoring the importance of this initiative.

The program will co-design interventions and evaluate them through a cluster randomized controlled trial involving 48 Mobile Health Units across 10 states, reaching nearly 2,000 participants.

CARDIO-India builds on the Government of India's Mobile Medical Units initiative under the National Health Mission, aiming to provide healthcare in rural and suburban areas.

The program will begin with a formative and co-design phase that includes patients, caregivers, clinicians, and frontline health workers. Following this phase, a cluster randomized controlled trial will take place, with the intervention running for 24 months. Outcomes will be measured at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months.

The program utilizes a community-based model that combines in-home clinical assessments with remote specialist support. Community health workers will visit older adults at their homes to conduct examinations and connect with specialists using an assisted telemedicine platform, which is supported by a clinical decision support system.

Mobile Medical Units will be equipped with diagnostic tools, including an electronic stethoscope, AI-enabled ECG, and handheld echocardiography devices. Data collected from these interactions will be used to enhance digital health records in accordance with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission.

The program is led by CCDC for implementation and the University of Leicester for research. It will partner with HelpAge India for access to Mobile Health Units, while AIIMS New Delhi and Nightingales Medical Trust will provide expertise in geriatric care. Krea University will offer research support, and co-applicant institutions include Queen Mary University of London and the University of Nottingham.

The program aims to improve cardiovascular risk management, quality of life, and health-adjusted life years for older adults. In the short term, it will assess the design, acceptability, and feasibility of technology-enabled community care.

Professor Dorairaj Prabhakaran, Executive Director of the Centre for Chronic Disease Control, said, “CCDC is excited to co-lead CARDIO-India. It builds on a long- standing collaboration with the University of Leicester and is strengthened by the participation of partners including AIIMS New Delhi, Krea University, HelpAge India and Nightingales Medical Trust. Just like our languages, the healthcare needs are also very diverse across the country. With a population that is ageing rapidly, our health systems must be efficient and resilient in ways to cater for their needs in the coming times. CARDIO India is a visionary effort which will help India march towards the goal of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for its future population.”

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