A recent report by Elsevier highlights a significant surge in the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) among Indian healthcare professionals. According to the Clinician of the Future 2025 survey, more than 40% of clinicians in India are now using AI tools for professional purposes—a threefold increase from just 12% last year. This rapid growth places India ahead of the United States (36%) and the United Kingdom (34%) in AI adoption, though it still lags behind China (71%) and the broader Asia Pacific region (56%).
The study, which surveyed 2,200 clinicians across 109 countries—including 275 from India—also indicated that 52% of Indian clinicians anticipate patients will increasingly rely on AI for self-diagnosis in the near future, compared with a global average of 38%. Indian healthcare professionals also foresee advancements toward universal healthcare access and equity, reflecting the ongoing objectives of India’s National Digital Health Blueprint introduced in 2019.
Despite growing enthusiasm, the report points to gaps in structured AI training and governance frameworks. Many clinicians emphasized the need for stronger institutional support to ensure effective adoption and safe use of AI in clinical settings. Shanker Kaul, Chairman of Elsevier Health in India, acknowledged the immense potential of AI but underscored the urgency of investing in digital literacy, particularly in rural areas, to maximize benefits.
The report concludes that while government initiatives to expand digital health infrastructure are commendable, additional measures are needed to reduce administrative burdens, establish trust in AI technologies, and accelerate the transformation of India’s healthcare system. Strengthening policies, providing comprehensive training, and ensuring accessible AI resources are viewed as essential steps to sustain this digital shift and enable clinicians to harness AI for improved patient care.
