76% Indian healthcare professionals positive about AI's role in improving patient outcome

Indian healthcare professionals are increasingly turning optimistic about the ability of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve patient outcomes, notes an annual global survey conducted by health technology company Philips.

The findings of the 10th annual Philips Future Health Index (FHI) 2025 report showed that 76% of Indian healthcare professionals (HCPs) were positive about the role of AI as a vital tool in the delivery of better patient care. While 78% believe AI can help reduce patients’ wait times, 60% say it can increase face-to-face time with patients. Similarly, 80% see AI as a way to automate repetitive tasks, which will help reduce administrative burden and 65% believe AI can shorten procedure times. Among the other queries posed, 78% believe AI can ensure greater consistency in patient examinations, which could help address the issue of standardising care and 87% believe AI can improve access to clinical research. AI’s ability to enable accurate and timely interventions was backed by 72%.

Future Health Index, one of the world’s largest recurring healthcare research initiatives, captures insights from over 1,900 healthcare professionals and 16,000 patients across 16 countries.

The India report draws insights from healthcare professionals across public and private sectors. The data highlights how AI is increasingly being perceived not merely as a tool for efficiency, but also to expand access, improve clinical quality, and reduce professional fatigue.

“India stands at a pivotal moment in healthcare transformation. What we're seeing today is a growing trust in AI not just as a tool for efficiency but as a catalyst for better clinical outcomes, broader access, and more empowered healthcare professionals. The findings from this year's Future Health Index India report reaffirm what we've long believed - that technology, when applied with purpose, can bridge the gap between capability and capacity," Bharath Sesha, Managing Director, Philips Indian Subcontinent, said. ”It is encouraging to see patients' readiness to embrace this transformation, and belief from over 80% Indian Healthcare professionals that AI could save lives by enabling early interventions. This trust is essential to scale up the use of AI and other relevant technology interventions to provide better care for more people."

Over half (56%) of HCPs who responded to the survey are already contributing to AI development within their organisations, the report said.

The need to bridge several critical gaps to realise the full potential of AI in Indian healthcare was also highlighted.

Among the respondents, 45% of HCPs want clear guidelines on AI usage and its limitations while 44% seek greater clarity on legal liability when using AI in patient care. Some (31%) are looking for reassurance about data security while the majority (67%) express concern that data bias in AI tools could widen healthcare disparities.