Published Date : 02/11/2025
The National Health Authority (NHA) showcased its pioneering use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in strengthening transparency and integrity within India’s digital health ecosystem at a high-level workshop organized by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, as part of Vigilance Awareness Week 2025.
On the occasion, Dr. Sunil Kumar Barnwal, IAS, CEO, National Health Authority (NHA), participated as a distinguished speaker in both sessions of the workshop. He shared insights on the integration of AI within India’s digital health ecosystem, particularly through flagship initiatives such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
Delivering a focused presentation on “Fraud Detection in Government Health Schemes using AI” under the theme “Transforming Public Service Delivery: Potential Applications of AI in Health Systems”, Dr. Barnwal highlighted NHA’s innovative use of AI and Machine Learning to identify, prevent, and address fraudulent activities in real time.
Dr. Barnwal also emphasized that, “Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are revolutionizing the world’s largest public health assurance scheme—shifting the paradigm from reactive fraud detection to proactive integrity management. This transformation is enabling greater transparency, accountability, and equity in every citizen’s healthcare journey.”
NHA’s proactive adoption of AI-based tools and data analytics continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring that public resources are utilized efficiently and beneficiaries receive rightful access to healthcare services under AB PM-JAY.
The workshop, organized by CVC, focused on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies in promoting ethical governance and operational efficiency across government systems. The deliberations were structured around two thematic sessions — “AI and Emerging Technologies: Past, Present and Future” and “Leveraging AI for Operational Efficiency and Preventive Vigilance.” The sessions explored the evolution and future potential of artificial intelligence and related technologies, and discussed their application in enhancing transparency, improving efficiency, and strengthening preventive vigilance mechanisms across government systems.
The workshop brought together senior officials, domain experts, and representatives from various ministries and organizations to deliberate on the integration of technology in governance processes aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and preventive vigilance.
Q: What is the role of AI in the National Health Authority's initiatives?
A: AI plays a crucial role in the National Health Authority's initiatives by enhancing transparency, detecting fraud, and ensuring efficient use of public resources in healthcare schemes like AB PM-JAY.
Q: How does the NHA use AI for fraud detection?
A: The NHA uses AI and Machine Learning to identify, prevent, and address fraudulent activities in real time, shifting from reactive to proactive integrity management.
Q: What is the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)?
A: The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) is a flagship initiative aimed at creating a seamless digital health ecosystem in India, ensuring equitable access to healthcare services.
Q: What is the significance of the CVC workshop?
A: The CVC workshop is significant as it brings together experts and officials to discuss the transformative role of AI and emerging technologies in promoting ethical governance and operational efficiency in government systems.
Q: How does AI contribute to preventive vigilance in healthcare?
A: AI contributes to preventive vigilance by enabling real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and proactive measures to prevent fraudulent activities and ensure the integrity of healthcare systems.