Health Minister Ma. Subramanian
An expert committee to look into Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare has been constituted in Tamil Nadu. It will explore the use of AI in the health sector and submit a report, according to Health Minister Ma. Subramanian.
The Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation (TNMSC) is in the process of leveraging AI for the detection of tuberculosis by analysing X-rays. AI also has a role in early detection of cancer.
“The role of AI in detecting cancer and tuberculosis has been established, and we want to take this forward,” the Minister told reporters after handing over appointment orders to laboratory technicians in Chennai on Monday.
The Minister said an initiative to use AI-powered models for healthcare on a pilot basis was being implemented at the Government Royapettah Hospital and the Government Hospital in Periyar Nagar.
It is learnt that the system has been installed at the two centres, and data from CT scans and X-rays will be anonymised and analysed with the help of AI for detection of diseases, such as lung cancer, in their early stages. Doctors will provide the final confirmation of the diagnosis. Diseases such as lung cancer are very difficult to detect in their early stages, and this is where AI could play a role. The system developed by a private agency is being piloted to see how it can assist doctors in the diagnosis.
Based on the feedback, the expert committee would examine how this could be taken forward, and how technology could be leveraged to detect undiagnosed or difficult-to-detect cases.
Known for high accuracy
For instance, AI is being used in the detection of TB, especially in its early stages, and is known for high accuracy. “AI will make a significant impact on the health sector in the coming years, and we want to be ahead of the curve,” an official said.
The committee comprises the Health Secretary; the Managing Director of TNMSC; the Project Director of Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project; the Mission Director of National Health Mission, Tamil Nadu; the directors of Medical Education and Research, Medical and Rural Health Services, Public Health and Preventive Medicine; the State TB Officer; and 20 experts including a professor of radiology.
A Government Order for constituting the committee was issued two days ago. “The committee will explore the opportunities in which AI could be implemented in the healthcare sector. It will submit a report,” the Minister added.
The official added that they would also rope in experts from Anna University, the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, and other engineering institutions.
VHN posts
Two years ago, a total of 2,250 vacancies for Village Health Nurses (VHNs) were declared, and examinations were held for recruitment. However, more than 10 court cases were filed against the recruitment. About 15 days ago, the court ruled that of the 2,250 candidates, appointment orders could be issued to those from government training institutions. The preparatory work has begun, and counselling will be held in three days to enable them to choose their place of posting. The Chief Minister will hand over the appointment orders to them on September 22.
Asked about dog bites, the Minister said efforts were being made to come up with measures to keep the stray dog population under control.
Published – September 15, 2025 11:18 pm IST