Month: March 2025

India’s healthcare industry is on a meteoric rise, projected to soar to $650 billion by 2025, driven by an impressive 22% compound annual growth rate since 2016. At the forefront of this transformation is artificial intelligence (AI), with its integration into healthcare set to skyrocket to a $1.6 billion market by 2025, revolutionizing diagnostics, treatment, and patient care like never before, growing at 40%.

The healthcare sector is set to receive 2.5% of India’s GDP as government investment, and AI in healthcare could add $25-30 billion to India’s GDP by 2025. Tech giants like Google (partnering with Forus Health) and Tata Group (through Tata Elxsi) are all set to drive innovation in the healthcare sector. The sector itself is ripe for innovation and needs to tackle barriers like poor connectivity and a lack of healthcare professionals.

India’s healthcare ecosystem faces several challenges, including limited access to medical professionals in rural areas, inadequate infrastructure, high healthcare costs, and connectivity issues in remote regions. AI-powered solutions—such as predictive diagnostics, automated medical imaging, virtual healthcare assistants, remote diagnostics, error-reduction systems, and healthcare delivery optimization models—can help bridge these gaps by improving quality, reducing costs, and enhancing accessibility for all. While AI presents unprecedented opportunities to enhance healthcare delivery, there is an urgent need to assess the existing regulatory framework for AI implementation in this sector.

Existing legal structure
The advancement of AI depends on its ability to process and analyze vast amounts of data. Machine learning models require extensive datasets for training, which can either be manually provided by users or gathered incidentally as AI performs tasks. In healthcare, this data often includes sensitive personal information such as medical history, diagnostic test results, and genetic details, all of which are essential for delivering effective medical services. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDPA), India’s first comprehensive law on the subject, does not explicitly address AI processing, and all obligations are tied to human actors.

The Indian government is working towards establishing a National Digital Health Infrastructure (Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission), to create a nationwide digital ecosystem that integrates healthcare service providers and patients through unique health IDs, with the use of emerging technologies. This will likely result in large pools of medical data being integrated into AI systems for the purpose of at least organizing and indexing, if not analysis and decision making.

The eventual implementation of the DPDPA will have to be considered in respect of the healthcare sector. The provisions of health services necessarily involve several checkpoints for data collection and processing (including data of a patient’s family, guardians, and visitors), and it will be difficult to impose any liability on personal data processing by AI, in the absence of clear guidelines.

What are the existing guidelines?
The Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Ethics) Regulations, 2002, which govern the professional conduct of healthcare providers in India, have been further supplemented by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Guidelines on the Ethical Application of Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Research and Healthcare. These guidelines currently mandate a ‘human-in-the-loop’ approach, requiring healthcare practitioners to review and validate AI-generated results before they are communicated to patients. This ensures human oversight, maintaining the accuracy and reliability of AI-driven decisions in patient care. However, as AI capabilities continue to evolve, the need for dedicated legislation becomes increasingly crucial to prevent potential risks and unintended consequences for end users.

The government’s National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) aims at creating a robust digital healthcare ecosystem by integrating the use of AI into healthcare data management. The NDHM also emphasizes on creating a secure, unified health data platform and trustworthy clinical decision support systems while establishing clear guidelines for data interoperability, privacy and security.

Regulatory gaps and challenges
Importantly AI algorithms can exhibit biases due to non-diverse training data, potentially leading to misdiagnoses, especially for underrepresented populations. This challenge is particularly significant in India’s diverse demographic landscape, raising ethical concerns about the fairness and accuracy of AI-driven healthcare solutions. The issue is further compounded when AI models trained on foreign or predominantly urban medical data are applied across India. For instance, an AI algorithm designed to predict breast cancer risk may inaccurately classify women of color as ‘low risk’ due to the lack of diverse training data, resulting in potential disparities in diagnosis and treatment.

There is a lack of a comprehensive regulatory framework governing AI, while the responsibility for any AI tool oversight is unclear and largely depends on contractual arrangements. Further, the testing requirements for diagnostic AI tools are insufficient, and the liability attribution in cases of AI misdiagnosis is also ambiguous. This could result in inaccurate results and consequently unreliable diagnosis, jeopardizing patient safety.

Potential legal framework
To ensure accurate and fair AI outcomes, it is essential to mandate diverse dataset requirements that account for ethnic diversity, geographic representation, and socioeconomic variation in AI training. Statutory obligations should include regular audits of AI systems and the implementation of continuous monitoring protocols. A key priority is the establishment of a dedicated regulatory authority for healthcare AI, responsible for developing comprehensive testing and approval processes, defining clear liability frameworks, and implementing effective grievance redressal mechanisms. Bharucha & Partners

The global medical humidifier market, valued at USD 878.4 million in 2023, is forecasted to grow at a robust CAGR of 5.6%, reaching USD 922.8 million in 2024 and an impressive USD 1,211.7 million by 2029. Increased admissions to intensive care (ICUs) and neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), especially for ventilator-dependent patients, increasing neonatal mortality & preterm birth rates, aging populations, and rising healthcare costs are shifting patient care from hospitals to home settings. Governments and private investors are expanding hospital networks, leading to higher demand for humidification devices, which drives market growth. Additionally, government and non-government initiatives in respiratory health and post-pandemic demand for respiratory care also offer opportunities for market growth.

By based on product, the medical humidifier market is segmented into Heated Humidifier, Bubble Humidifier, Heat and Moisture Exchangers (HMEs), and Humidifier Accessories. Among these, in 2023, Heat and Moisture Exchangers (HMEs) segment accounts for the highest growth rate in the Medical humidifier market. This is due to increasing surgical volumes worldwide, especially in developed and emerging economies, is fueling demand for anesthesia-related humidification devices, compared to active humidification systems, HMEs are more affordable, require no power source, and have low maintenance costs, HMEs enhance comfort for patients using CPAP and BiPAP machines for sleep apnea and chronic respiratory conditions, and growing healthcare access in Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East is driving the uptake of HMEs in newly built hospitals and homecare settings.

By patient type, the medical humidifier market is divided into three segments based on patient type: adult, pediatric, and neonatal. Among them, in 2023, adult patients segment accounts for the greatest market share of the medical humidifier market, since age-related loss of lung function necessitates the use of humidifiers in long-term oxygen treatment (LTOT), CPAP/BiPAP therapy, and home ventilation. Postoperative ventilation in adults undergoing surgeries (cardiac, neurological, and pulmonary) drives demand for heated humidifiers and heat moisture exchangers (HMEs), as does the growing elderly population (65 and older), who are more susceptible to chronic respiratory failure and pulmonary infections. According to the World Health Organization (2024), by 2030, one in every six individuals worldwide would be 60 or older, with the population in this age group expected to increase from 1 billion in 2020 to 1.4 billion. Furthermore, the number of people aged 80 and older is expected to triple between 2020 and 2025, reaching 424 million. The medical humidifier market is predicted to grow in line with the large growth in the aging population, especially among the elderly.

By geography, The medical humidifier market is segmented into six major regional segments, namely, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa, and GCC Countries. The north America accounts for the largest market share in the medical humidifier market in 2023. This is due to rising ICU admissions and ventilator use, which necessitate humidification systems for oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation, ongoing development and commercialization of medical humidifier products, supportive government regulations for product commercialization, and significant investments in hospital infrastructure. For example, the World Bank Group predicts that in 2022, North America’s health expenditure will account for 16.6% of the region’s GDP, indicating a high commitment to healthcare infrastructure development. Additionally, the huge presence of medical humidifier manufacturing companies in the region is increasing the market growth in the region. These companies are investing heavily in research and developments thus providing technologically advanced medical humidifiers across the region thus contributing to the regional growth. MarketsandMarkets

The Tamil Nadu government has allocated Rs 21,906 crore to the Health and Family Welfare Department in its 2025-26 budget, prioritising cancer care, non-communicable diseases, and emergency medical services. Presenting the final budget of the DMK’s current term before the 2026 elections, on Friday, March 14, Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu outlined key healthcare investments aimed at strengthening medical infrastructure and expanding access to critical treatments.

Designating Government Arignar Anna Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Institute in Kanchipuram district as a state-level nodal cancer centre, the government has announced that it would be upgraded into an autonomous 800-bed facility, providing advanced cancer diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care. The government has earmarked Rs 120 crore over the next two years for this initiative. To improve early cancer detection, the government will enhance medical equipment and manpower in secondary and medical college hospitals, with Rs 110 crore allocated over the next three years.

Additionally, an HPV vaccination program for 14-year-old girls will be launched to prevent cervical cancer, with Rs 36 crore set aside for 2025-26. Further, a sum of Rs 40 crore has been allocated to expand healthcare access through mobile medical teams. These teams, working in collaboration with NGOs, will provide screenings for major cancers and heart diseases, along with lifestyle counseling.

Other key health allocations in the budget include Rs 2,754 crore for the National Health Mission (NHM), Rs 1,092 crore for the Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme, Rs 1,461 crore for the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme and Rs 348 crore for Ambulance Services. The News Minute

The Delhi government plans to expand free dialysis services under the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme to all state-run hospitals, Health Minister Pankaj Singh said on Thursday.

Speaking at an event on World Kidney Day, the minister highlighted the city government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

Announcing plans to expand the free dialysis services, he also said economically weaker sections would be prioritised in Delhi government hospitals, ensuring the same high-quality care for them as other patients.

Singh urged the medical staff to treat patients with professionalism and compassion, creating a more welcoming and supportive environment in hospitals.

He laid stress on the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle to protect kidney health and said, “The kidney is an essential organ that helps remove waste materials, regulate blood pressure, support red blood cell production and maintain bone health.”

Singh highlighted the rising prevalence of kidney diseases, attributing it to high blood sugar, hypertension, obesity and modern lifestyle, urging people to prioritise healthy habits.

Early detection and lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce the risk of kidney-related illnesses, the minister said.

People who have undergone kidney transplants or donated kidneys shared their experiences during the event, organised at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences.

The event was part of a global campaign to educate the public, caregivers, policymakers and the government about the importance of kidney health and preventing kidney disease.

Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences Chancellor and Director Professor SK Sarin provided an overview of its advanced facilities for diagnosing and treating kidney diseases, according to a statement. PTI

A probe by a five-member committee appointed by the public health department in January this year has unearthed massive financial irregularities, human rights’ violations, and patient neglect at the Regional Mental Hospital (RMH), Pune – one of India’s largest mental health institutions.

The probe report – submitted by the committee to the deputy director of health services, Dr Radhakishan Pawar, on Wednesday and accessed and viewed by Hindustan Times – has revealed that over ₹1.24 crore in government funds were misused, affecting critical services such as patient care, sanitation, and food supply. The probe has found that patients were forced to live in unhygienic conditions, bathe in cold water due to a faulty solar heating system, and consume substandard food despite full payments to contractors.

The committee has accused Dr Sunil Patil, former medical superintendent, of misappropriating funds through unauthorised purchases, excessive payments, and bypassing financial regulations. “The committee has recommended strict action against and recovery of misused funds from the then serving medical superintendent, administrative officer, office superintendent, and clerk. Patil misused government funds by violating the provisions and procedures of government resolutions of the industries department while purchasing solar water heating system, linen, minor materials, and equipment for the de-addiction centre,” according to the report. The investigation report has been forwarded to the state government for further action, Dr Pawar said. “The government prioritises patient welfare, and any violation of patients’ rights will be taken seriously,” he added.

According to the committee, full payments were made for cleaning services but actual cleaning was not carried out as per the contract. At the same time, contract conditions regarding wages, provident fund (PF) and ESI for cleaning staff were ignored. The committee found that the de-addiction centre was never actually set up despite funds being spent. Stock records and expenditure details also showed discrepancies, the report said, adding that ₹11 lakh allocated for the de-addiction centre was misappropriated by Dr Patil.

The committee was headed by Dr Prashant Wadikar, assistant director of health services and included Dr Sriniwas Kolod, deputy superintendent of RMH; and three other officials.

According to the investigation report, Dr Patil, while serving as the medical superintendent of RMH, made all decisions in his own interest without considering the rights and welfare of patients. His actions, the committee concluded, violated the Mental Healthcare Act 2017 and human rights.

Corruption at the cost of patients’ wellbeing

The RMH, which spans 138 acres and has an indoor capacity of 2,540 patients, currently houses 992 inmates. The investigation, covering transactions from 2017 to 2024, exposed how the hospital’s essential services were severely compromised due to mismanagement and corruption.

Patients suffered lack of proper sanitation, inadequate food, and unauthorised transfers to private rehabilitation centres. The probe found that 18 patients died between December 2023 and December 2024 after being shifted to private centres without justification.

Dr Kolod, the current medical superintendent, said, “It is heartbreaking to see how patients suffered due to unauthorised transactions and compromised services. I have requested a thorough audit to uncover more discrepancies. We just want justice for the patients.”

Health activist Sharad Shetty, whose complaint triggered the probe, demanded criminal action against the accused officials. “Forcing patients to live in filth, bathe in cold water, and eat substandard food is a violation of the Mental Healthcare Act 2017. An FIR must be filed,” Shetty said. Hindustan Times