The Government of Kerala, in collaboration with Remidio, has launched Nayanamritham 2.0, the world’s first government-led AI-assisted chronic eye disease screening program. This groundbreaking initiative uses artificial intelligence to enhance early detection. It also improves screening efficiency and makes quality eye care accessible across the state.
Advancing Eye Care with AI
Building on the success of Nayanamritham 1.0, which introduced diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening at Family Health Centers. The new version takes a major leap forward. It includes expert interpretation by ophthalmologists, ensuring more accurate screenings. Now, optometrists use Remidio’s AI-enabled fundus cameras to instantly classify cases as referable or non-referable, ensuring faster diagnosis and timely referrals.
Expanded Scope: Screening for Glaucoma and AMD
As per the press release, Nayanamritham 2.0 goes beyond diabetic retinopathy. It now includes screenings for glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The program now extends across Community Health Centers, Taluk Hospitals, and District Hospitals, ensuring comprehensive eye care at all levels of the healthcare system.
Leadership Perspectives on AI Integration
Anand Sivaraman, CEO of Remidio, emphasized the transformative impact of this initiative:
“The Kerala Government has been a pioneer in integrating technology into public health. With Nayanamritham 2.0, Kerala becomes the first government public health system to adopt AI for chronic eye disease screening. By integrating Remidio’s 3-in-1 AI into existing workflows, we are making screenings more efficient, accessible, and affordable.”
At the launch event, Dr. Bipin Gopal, Deputy Director of the Directorate of Health Services (DHS), highlighted the role of AI in enhancing healthcare delivery:
“AI isn’t here to replace healthcare providers—it’s here to empower them. By leveraging ethical AI, we enable optometrists to detect routine cases with AI-powered cameras, while ophthalmologists focus on advanced cases, ensuring the highest quality care where it’s needed most.”
Setting a Global Benchmark in AI-Driven Public Health
Kerala is setting a global precedent by seamlessly integrating ophthalmic AI into clinical workflows. This approach ensures efficient, scalable, and cost-effective screening programs. This initiative enhances efficiency, improves accuracy, and empowers healthcare providers to deliver better patient care.
A Vision for the Future
As AI continues to transform healthcare, Nayanamritham 2.0 stands as a pioneering effort in public health. By collaborating with Kerala’s health department, Remidio is driving early detection, reducing preventable blindness, and improving patient outcomes across the state. This scalable, data-driven approach is shaping the future of AI-powered healthcare in India.