Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly revolutionising healthcare across the globe, with radiology emerging as one of its most impactful domains. In India, a vibrant ecosystem of AI startups is transforming radiology by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, speeding up image analysis, and democratizing access to quality imaging, factors critical for addressing the country’s enormous healthcare demand.
AI-Powered Radiology: Meeting India’s Healthcare Challenges
India’s healthcare system faces a chronic shortage of trained radiologists, particularly in rural and underserved areas, leading to diagnostic delays and compromised care. AI, with its ability to automate medical image interpretation, triage critical cases, and assist in early disease detection, helps bridge this gap. Government programs promoting digital health infrastructure and AI adoption have accelerated the deployment of smart imaging solutions nationwide.
AI Startups: Innovating Radiology at Scale
India boasts over 100 AI startups focused on radiology, integrating deep learning and computer vision to develop solutions for X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasound imaging. These startups leverage vast datasets, including anonymised imaging from government hospitals and private institutions, to train algorithms achieving accuracy levels rivalling expert radiologists.
Key innovations include AI-driven detection of lung diseases such as tuberculosis and COVID-19-related pneumonia, automated cancer screening, fracture identification, and personalised treatment planning. Many startups offer cloud-based platforms that enable remote image sharing and second opinions, drastically improving care delivery in remote regions.
Among leading AI radiology startups, names like Qure.ai, Niramai, Predible Health, and Tricog Health stand out for developing highly accurate AI-powered tools used in early disease detection, automated cancer screening, pneumonia and tuberculosis detection, and personalised diagnostic workflows. These startups have gained global traction, with Qure.ai, for example, recognised in 2025 by Time Magazine as one of the world's most influential AI healthcare companies, deploying solutions in over 100 countries with multiple FDA clearances.
Government Support and Collaborative Ecosystem
The Government of India, through initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and National Digital Health Blueprint, is fostering a supportive environment for AI integration.
The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) has been allocated approximately ₹340 crore (about USD 42 million) in FY 2025-26, a 51% increase from ₹225 crore in FY 2024-25. This is part of a larger five-year outlay of ₹1,600 crore (2021-22 to 2025-26) dedicated to building a robust digital health infrastructure that supports interoperability of health records, telemedicine, and AI-enabled diagnostics across India.
As per a report by PSR India, the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) received a substantial boost with an allocation increasing from ₹3,380 crore to approximately ₹4,758 crore (a 41% increase) to enhance healthcare facilities and digital health infrastructure, including AI-enabled diagnostic capabilities. Additional programs such as the National Tele Mental Health Programme and cancer care initiatives also received increased funding, demonstrating an integrated approach to leveraging technology, including AI, across healthcare domains.
These programs enable interoperability of health records and promote AI-based diagnostics by funding pilot projects, facilitating data sharing, and standardising medical imaging protocols.
Market Growth and Future Outlook
The Indian AI in the medical imaging market is projected to grow at a CAGR exceeding 40% till 2030, fueled by increasing healthcare digitisation, rising chronic disease burden, and expanding telemedicine adoption. AI-assisted radiology not only improves diagnostic outcomes but also optimises radiologists’ workflow, allowing focus on complex cases and reducing burnout.
The penetration of AI in radiology improves health equity, ensuring timely diagnosis for remote and poverty-affected populations. With ongoing R&D and government backing, India is poised to become a global hub for AI-powered radiology solutions, driving both domestic healthcare transformation and international technology exports.
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