Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda emphasized the need for enhanced global efforts in early lung-health screening and responsible use of artificial intelligence in healthcare systems. Addressing key events at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Nadda stressed the importance of timely screening, early diagnosis, and equal healthcare access for building resilient and people-centered health systems. India’s National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme and the TB-Mukt Bharat campaign were highlighted as significant global initiatives for screening and early detection, focusing on vulnerable populations through various outreach programs and modern diagnostic tools.
India has made substantial progress in expanding active case finding among at-risk groups by employing advanced diagnostic technologies to detect tuberculosis and other lung diseases. The country has adopted molecular testing platforms, digital chest X-ray services, AI-assisted interpretation tools, handheld screening devices, and decentralized testing systems to minimize diagnostic delays, especially in remote and underserved regions. Minister Nadda also mentioned the launch of the TB Mukt Bharat App, featuring an AI-enabled chatbot named “Khushi,” aimed at providing real-time guidance on symptoms, entitlements, and nearby diagnostic facilities to facilitate prompt care-seeking behavior.
Furthermore, Nadda underscored the importance of regulating artificial intelligence in healthcare to ensure ethical practices, rigorous research, and equitable distribution of benefits to all citizens. He highlighted the introduction of the Strategy for AI in Healthcare for India (SAHI) during the India AI Impact Summit in February 2026, positioning it as a pioneering strategy from the Global South that guides India’s healthcare journey with a focus on ethics, transparency, and inclusivity.
