AI adoption in India’s healthcare sector is surging. According to the newly released Clinician of the Future 2025 report by Elsevier, the number of Indian clinicians using artificial intelligence has jumped from 12% in 2023 to 41% in 2024 — a threefold increase in just one year.
This puts India ahead of global counterparts like the U.S. (36%) and the U.K. (34%), though still behind China (71%) and the Asia-Pacific average (56%). The report surveyed 2,200 clinicians across 109 countries, with around 275 responses from India.
Shanker Kaul, Chairman of Elsevier Health in India, called the rapid uptake a sign of agility and ambition, noting, “India’s clinicians are showing remarkable enthusiasm in embracing AI — often rivaling global leaders.”
AI Seen as Key to Future Care, But Training and Trust Gaps Remain
Indian clinicians are optimistic about the future of AI in medicine. Over half (52%) expect that patients will soon self-diagnose using AI tools, far exceeding the global average of 38%. However, the report also highlights major hurdles: lack of institutional AI training, digital literacy gaps — especially in rural areas — and insufficient governance frameworks.
Despite growing enthusiasm, many frontline clinicians feel that current AI tools still lack reliability, especially without proper integration into hospital workflows. Kaul emphasized the need for targeted policy and training efforts to bridge the gap between promise and practical use.
Rising Burnout and Workforce Strain Also Drive AI Interest
Beyond innovation, necessity is also fueling AI adoption. Nearly two-thirds of Indian clinicians said they are seeing more patients than they did two years ago, in line with the global burnout rate of 69%. High patient volumes and administrative burdens are pushing professionals to explore AI solutions to enhance care delivery without sacrificing quality.
Still, 20% of Indian clinicians reported they are considering leaving healthcare altogether, echoing global trends of attrition in the medical workforce.
A Call to Action for Policymakers and Industry
The report urges government bodies and private stakeholders to accelerate digital transformation efforts by investing in robust training programs, expanding rural digital infrastructure, and fostering greater trust in AI tools.
“The government’s National Digital Health Blueprint is a good foundation,” said the report’s authors, “but now is the time to turn policy into practice — especially at the frontline level.”
