An AI-based cataract screening technology is being demonstrated at the Government General Hospital in Guntur on Sunday. | Photo credit: BY ARRANGEMENT
Eighteen shortlisted innovators are showcasing medical technologies designed to improve the delivery of healthcare services to the people at government hospitals across the state.
In an effort to introduce modern technologies and increase the efficiency of healthcare services, the Ministry of Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare in collaboration with AP Innovation Society and Ratan Tata Innovation Hub launched the MedTech Innovation Challenge in November 2025. By the end of the year, the government had received 297 applications from innovators, manufacturers and researchers.
After several rounds of review, 18 innovators were shortlisted. They have developed technology solutions in five categories, including AI-powered diagnostic tools, portable point-of-care testing, smart monitoring and wearables, remote care and telemedicine, and non-invasive technologies.
As part of the pilot testing phase, selected innovators are currently testing a total of 40 technologies in government hospitals in Visakhapatnam, Anantapur, Guntur, Kakinada, Vijayawada, Parvathipuram, Tenali and other locations.
According to the ministry’s press release, these technologies will help doctors confirm the disease in less time, enable them to provide better treatment to patients and save valuable time at the same time.
Some technologies can record conversations between patients and doctors, detect tuberculosis through cough analysis, identify heart disease and anemia, detect neurological disorders in children, and identify cataracts and glaucoma. AI cameras are also used for cervical cancer screening.
The ongoing pilot tests will be completed soon after which Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Minister Satya Kumar Yadav will submit an observation report to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
A special panel called the Committee for Applied Technologies in Healthcare was established to review and recommend these applications. A committee consisting of artificial intelligence specialists, health professionals and scientists will analyze the demonstration and submit its report.
Published – March 8, 2026 8:07 PM IST
