AI in healthcare must be ethical and safe, says NMC chair Dr Abhijat Sheth at HealthAIcon 2026

National Medical Commission chair Dr Abhijat Sheth says the key challenge is preparing doctors and health systems to use AI responsibly. Speaking at HealthAIcon 2026, he called for ethical, safe, and equitable AI in healthcare, and urged medical education reforms so training matches real clinical practice across India.

National Medical Commission chairperson Dr Abhijat Sheth said healthcare’s main AI challenge is safe, responsible use. Dr Sheth told HealthAIcon 2026 that systems and doctors must be ready. Dr Sheth said AI use must stay ethical and fair. Dr Sheth added that large-scale adoption creates both benefits and duties.

The conference, organised by Medical Dialogues with the National Medical Forum, gathered experts from across India. Policymakers, clinicians, researchers, innovators, and industry leaders attended. Sessions focused on how AI is entering daily clinical work. Speakers discussed practical limits, patient safety, and trust. The meeting also examined how rules should match real hospital settings.

AI adoption in healthcare and medical education

Dr Sheth, also president of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, said training must change. "If we continue to train doctors only within the traditional framework, we risk creating a gap between what is taught and what is practised. AI is already a part of the clinical environment now,\" Dr Sheth said. Dr Sheth added that education must reflect practice and raise regulatory responsibility.

Dr Sheth said doctors must learn to use AI without losing clinical independence. \"This is not about turning a doctor into a technologist. It is about ensuring that every doctor understands what AI can and cant do, can interpret AI output critically, use AI safely in clinical practice, and maintain independent clinical judgement,\" Dr Sheth said. Dr Sheth also urged stronger guidance for safe clinical deployment.

AI adoption in healthcare and National AI Doctors Mission

The conference also launched the National AI Doctors Mission to improve AI literacy. Summit chairman Dr Prem Aggarwal outlined the plan for healthcare professionals. \"The National AI Doctors Mission aims to build awareness, create structured learning pathways, and ensure the responsible and ethical clinical use of AI in healthcare.\" Dr Aggarwal said it aims to support safer decisions in real care settings.

Dr Aggarwal said planning must go beyond headlines and technology trends. \"We are not preparing for the hype around artificial intelligence; we are preparing doctors, researchers, institutions, and policymakers to use AI responsibly. The goal is to create a structured national movement for safe and effective AI adoption in healthcare.\" Dr Aggarwal linked long-term success with clear learning routes.

AI adoption in healthcare and ethical integration

Dr Aggarwal said the system’s direction depends on how AI is used and governed. Dr Aggarwal said AI could help diagnosis and speed up treatment. Dr Aggarwal also said AI may reduce gaps between public and private care. Dr Aggarwal warned that trust relies on ethics and careful use in clinics.

Dr Aggarwal said data work must serve patients and equity goals. \"Every dataset, every algorithm, and every innovation must work towards one common mission: making healthcare more compassionate, inclusive, and accessible for every individual, regardless of their background,\" Dr Aggarwal said. Dr Aggarwal stressed that outcomes should guide design, testing, and deployment choices.

AI adoption in healthcare and ICMR views

Dr Sanghamitra Pati, Additional Director General, ICMR, spoke about balance between tools and care. \"AI is not going to replace doctors, but doctors who use AI may replace those who do not.\" Dr Pati added that empathy and human connection remain central. Dr Pati said AI must be used carefully and ethically.

Dr Pati said India should aim to build, not only buy, healthcare AI. Dr Pati said AI can support medical education and research. Dr Pati also said it can help deliver cost-effective care across India. Speakers said better coordination between health and technology experts can support patient-centred AI use at scale.

With inputs from PTI