India Launches AI-Based Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Programme

Launch and National Context

India Launches AI-Based Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Programme: India has launched its first Artificial Intelligence-driven community screening programme for Diabetic Retinopathy, marking a significant milestone in preventive eye healthcare.
The programme was formally launched on December 16, 2025, in New Delhi, aligning with India’s broader push towards technology-enabled public health solutions.

Diabetic Retinopathy is a major cause of preventable blindness among adults with diabetes.
Early detection remains critical, as the disease often progresses without noticeable symptoms in initial stages.

Static GK fact: India is often referred to as the “diabetes capital of the world” due to its high diabetic population burden.

Institutional Collaboration Behind the Initiative

The programme represents a multi-institutional collaboration involving the Armed Forces Medical Services, the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences (RPC), AIIMS, and the eHealth AI Unit of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
This convergence reflects increasing synergy between defence medical services, academic institutions, and civilian health administration.

The initiative was inaugurated at Army Hospital (Research and Referral), New Delhi.
The launch was led by Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services, alongside Prof Radhika Tandon, Chief of RPC, AIIMS.

Static GK Tip: AIIMS New Delhi functions as an apex referral institute and a pioneer in advanced medical research in India.

MadhuNetrAI Platform and AI Integration

At the core of the programme is MadhuNetrAI, a web-based Artificial Intelligence platform developed by RPC, AIIMS.
The platform automates screening, grading, and triaging of retinal images using machine learning algorithms.

Retinal images are captured through handheld fundus cameras, enabling outreach even in resource-limited settings.
Trained medical officers, nursing staff, and healthcare assistants can conduct screenings without requiring specialist ophthalmologists on-site.

The system simultaneously generates real-time data on disease prevalence and geographic distribution.
This strengthens public health surveillance and aids in evidence-based planning.

Pilot Phase and Geographic Coverage

The pilot phase covers seven locations: Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Dharamshala, Gaya, Jorhat, and Kochi.
These centres represent diverse metropolitan, rural, hilly, coastal, and remote regions of India.

Personnel from each site will undergo intensive training at RPC, AIIMS.
This ensures standardised image capture, accurate interpretation, and effective use of the AI platform.

Static GK fact: Decentralised pilot projects are commonly used in India to test scalability before nationwide rollout of health programmes.

Referral Mechanism and Clinical Management

Patients detected with Diabetic Retinopathy will be referred for appropriate diabetic management at local healthcare facilities.
Cases identified as vision-threatening will be referred to vitreo-retina specialists at designated District Hospitals.

District Health Administrations will coordinate referrals, ensuring continuity of care.
This structured referral framework integrates AI screening with the existing public health system.

Public Health Significance and Future Scope

A detailed compendium outlining methodology and operational guidelines was released during the launch.
The role of Brig S K Mishra, Head of Ophthalmology at Army Hospital (R&R), was acknowledged for facilitating institutional collaboration.

The initiative is envisioned as a scalable and replicable model for managing non-communicable diseases.
It demonstrates how AI-enabled solutions can be effectively embedded within national public health frameworks.

Static GK Tip: Diabetic Retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the retina.

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India Launches AI-Based Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Programme: