More than 40% of clinicians in India are now using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for professional purposes — a three-fold jump from 12% last year, according to a new report by Elsevier, the Netherlands-based scientific information provider that publishes journals including The Lancet.
India Surpasses Global AI Adoption Average
The report shows that India’s AI adoption rate (41%) outpaces the global average of 48%, as well as the rates in the US (36%) and the UK (34%). However, it still lags behind China (71%) and the broader Asia Pacific region (56%).
“India’s clinicians are showing remarkable agility and enthusiasm in embracing AI, setting a pace that not only keeps up with but often rivals global leaders,” said Shanker Kaul, Chairman of Elsevier Health in India.
Survey Insights and Global Comparisons
The findings are part of the Clinician of the Future 2025 report, which surveyed 2,200 clinicians across 109 countries, including around 275 from India. Authors noted, “41 per cent of clinicians in India have used AI for work purposes, more than triple last year’s figure of 12 per cent.”
In addition, 52% of Indian clinicians expect most patients to self-diagnose using AI soon — much higher than the global average of 38%.
Optimism About Health Equity and Digital Healthcare
Indian clinicians also foresee a stronger shift toward universal healthcare and health equity in the coming years. This aligns with the National Digital Health Blueprint, launched in 2019, which aims to deliver universal health coverage across India.
Kaul emphasized, “This strong optimism creates a tremendous opportunity — one that can be fully realised with the right investment in digital literacy training, especially in rural areas, robust governance, and forward-thinking policy action.”
Burnout and Workforce Challenges
As reported by Business Standard, the report also highlighted growing stress among healthcare professionals. Nearly two-thirds of Indian clinicians said they are seeing more patients than two years ago, echoing the global rate of 69%. Many cited patient overload as the key reason for not having enough time to provide quality care.
Moreover, one in five Indian clinicians are considering leaving healthcare altogether — a concern mirrored globally, where about a third of clinicians expressed similar intentions.
Barriers to Effective AI Integration
While clinicians acknowledged AI’s potential to solve pressing challenges, many felt that institutions are falling short in supporting its adoption. Gaps include limited structured training, lack of comprehensive governance frameworks, and insufficient efforts to reduce administrative burdens.
Call for Unified Action
Despite appreciating the government’s efforts to expand digital health infrastructure, clinicians stressed the need for faster implementation and stronger trust-building around AI solutions.
“Our report is a call for government, industry, and institutions to unite, amplify the voices of our clinicians, and accelerate the digital transformation of the healthcare ecosystem in India,” Kaul concluded.