The Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal, has created history by launching India’s first dedicated Department of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare within a medical college. Inaugurated on August 29, this pioneering unit reflects the growing recognition of AI’s transformative role in medicine and its potential to redefine healthcare delivery in the country.
The department has been conceived as an interdisciplinary hub, bringing together expertise from medicine, engineering, and data science. By combining clinical knowledge with cutting-edge computational methods, it aims to train future doctors and researchers to effectively use AI in medical practice. The focus will be on applications ranging from medical imaging and diagnostic accuracy to predictive models for disease prevention, personalized treatment plans, and advanced public health analytics.
Faculty at KMC highlighted that the new department is designed not just as a research centre but as a teaching and training facility. Students will gain exposure to AI-based tools for radiology, pathology, genomics, and epidemiology, while also learning to evaluate ethical implications such as patient data privacy and algorithmic bias. Through project-based learning, the department will encourage practical engagement with real-world healthcare problems.
This initiative comes at a time when India’s healthcare system is actively seeking technology-led solutions to address challenges such as limited access, high patient volumes, and shortage of specialists. By integrating AI into medical education, KMC Manipal is positioning itself at the forefront of medical innovation and workforce readiness.
The launch of this department also represents a larger shift in Indian medical education, where interdisciplinary programs are becoming critical. Experts believe the KMC model could serve as a template for other medical institutions aiming to embed AI into healthcare training and research. With this step, Manipal reinforces its role as a leader in progressive, technology-driven medical education.
