JP Nadda Calls For Global Push On Early Lung Screening, Ethical AI In Healthcare

Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda has called for stronger global action on early lung-health screening and responsible deployment of artificial intelligence to transform healthcare systems.

Addressing two high-level side events during the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Nadda said timely screening, early diagnosis and equitable access to care remain central to building resilient and people-centred healthcare systems.

The Minister referred to India’s National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme and the TB-Mukt Bharat campaign as one of the world’s largest screening and early detection initiatives. He said the country has expanded active case finding among vulnerable populations through house-to-house outreach, mobile screening teams, community campaigns, and focused drives in high-risk areas and among vulnerable populations.

Nadda added that India has significantly expanded modern diagnostic infrastructure for TB and other lung diseases.

Healthcare authorities are extensively deploying molecular testing platforms, digital chest X-ray services, AI-assisted interpretation tools, handheld screening devices, and decentralised testing systems to reduce diagnostic delays, especially in remote and underserved areas.

Highlighting India’s digital healthcare initiatives, the Minister spoke about the launch of the TB Mukt Bharat App featuring ‘Khushi’, an AI-enabled multilingual chatbot accessible even on entry-level smartphones.

According to the statement, the platform provides real-time guidance on symptoms, entitlements and nearby diagnostic facilities, helping bridge the gap between symptom onset and timely treatment.

Speaking on artificial intelligence in healthcare, Nadda said AI-led healthcare delivery must be ‘shaped by sound regulation, rigorous research, ethical oversight, and a deep commitment to equity so its benefits reach every citizen’.

The Minister also highlighted the launch of the Strategy for AI in Healthcare for India (SAHI) during the India AI Impact Summit in February 2026, describing it as ‘the first comprehensive strategy emerging from the Global South, guiding India’s healthcare journey in an ethical, transparent and people-centric manner’.