India Launches First AI-Based Community Screening for Diabetic Retinopathy

MadhuNetrAI Platform Powers Nationwide Eye Disease Detection Initiative

India has taken a major step in technology-driven public healthcare with the launch of its first Artificial Intelligence–enabled community screening programme for Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) . The initiative was formally launched in New Delhi on December 16, 2025 , aiming to strengthen early detection of diabetic eye disease and improve population-level surveillance.

Institutions Behind the Initiative
The programme is a collaborative effort involving the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) , the Dr Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences (RPC), AIIMS , and the eHealth AI Unit of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare . It was inaugurated at Army Hospital (Research and Referral) by Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin , Director General AFMS, along with Prof Radhika Tandon , Chief of RPC, AIIMS. The collaboration reflects a convergence of military healthcare, academic excellence and digital health governance.

MadhuNetrAI: AI at the Core
The programme is anchored by MadhuNetrAI , a web-based AI platform developed by RPC, AIIMS. Using retinal images captured through handheld fundus cameras, the platform enables automated screening, grading and triaging of Diabetic Retinopathy. Trained medical officers, nurses and healthcare assistants can conduct screenings at the community level, while the system simultaneously generates real-time data on disease prevalence and geographic distribution .

Pilot Implementation and Referral Pathway
The pilot phase will be rolled out across seven locations —Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Dharamshala, Gaya, Jorhat and Kochi—covering diverse geographic and demographic settings. Personnel from these centres will undergo training at AIIMS. Patients diagnosed with DR will be linked to diabetic care services, while vision-threatening cases will be referred to vitreo-retina specialists at designated district hospitals, coordinated by district health authorities.

Public Health Impact and Future Scope
A detailed compendium outlining methodology and operational guidelines was released at the launch. The initiative is envisioned as a scalable and replicable national model , demonstrating how AI can be effectively integrated into public health systems for managing non-communicable diseases.

Exam-Focused Points

• India’s first AI-driven DR screening programme launched on 16 December 2025 .

• The initiative is based on MadhuNetrAI , developed by RPC, AIIMS .

• Collaboration includes AFMS, AIIMS and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare .

• Pilot covers seven locations across diverse regions of India.