India is emerging as a major contributor to AI-guided precision medicine, with advances in genomics, gene therapy and indigenous medical research opening new possibilities for diagnosis and treatment, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Thursday.
Addressing the 42nd convocation of Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER) in Chennai, the Minister said the next generation of doctors would have access to increasingly sophisticated technologies, alongside the responsibility of integrating them effectively into clinical practice.
He emphasised that artificial intelligence and genetic research could enable more personalised healthcare, but stressed that technological progress must complement sound clinical judgement.
Singh said the future of medicine would increasingly depend on combining AI-assisted healthcare with genomic information to tailor treatments to individual patients.
By integrating genetic profiles with clinical outcomes, lifestyles and environmental factors, doctors could make more informed decisions about diagnosis and treatment, he said.
However, the Minister cautioned that medical professionals would need to use emerging technologies appropriately while preserving the clinical judgement essential to patient care.
Drawing on nearly four decades of experience as a clinician, Singh also highlighted the changing disease burden in India. While communicable diseases remain a concern, lifestyle-related conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease are increasingly affecting younger people.
Singh highlighted India's progress in domestic medical research, including the development of an indigenous DNA vaccine against COVID-19 and ongoing vaccine research targeting diseases such as dengue and malaria.
He also pointed to advances in gene therapy for haemophilia, alongside indigenous drug development, including nafithromycin for community-acquired bacterial pneumonia.
Research in nuclear medicine, including work related to acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and fatty liver disease, was another area cited by the Minister as evidence of India's expanding scientific capabilities.
These developments, he said, reflect the growing contribution of Indian research institutions to the development of new therapies and healthcare technologies.
The Minister invited SRIHER to strengthen its engagement with national research initiatives in genomics, biomanufacturing and nuclear medicine.
He called for closer collaboration between government research institutions, universities, hospitals and industry to translate scientific discoveries into practical, affordable healthcare solutions.
Such partnerships could combine research expertise with clinical experience, helping accelerate the development and adoption of new treatments.
Alongside technological innovation, Singh emphasised the importance of preventive healthcare, particularly as diabetes and cardiovascular disease increasingly affect younger populations.
He noted that a person developing diabetes at 30 could face decades of potential complications, making early intervention and long-term disease management essential.
The Minister called for sustained efforts to prevent chronic illnesses and protect the health and productive potential of India's youth.
He linked these priorities to the national ambition of achieving Viksit Bharat 2047, arguing that progress in medical research must go hand in hand with prevention, responsible clinical practice and improved access to effective healthcare.