India Launches First AI-Driven Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Programme

India has launched its first Artificial Intelligence–driven community screening programme for Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), marking a major breakthrough in early detection of diabetic eye disease and AI-enabled public health surveillance. The programme was formally inaugurated on 16 December 2025 at Army Hospital (Research and Referral).

The initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Armed Forces Medical Services, the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

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India Launches First AI-Driven Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Programme

Institutions & Inauguration

The programme was inaugurated by Arti Sarin, Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services, along with Radhika Tandon, Chief of RPC, All India Institute of Medical Sciences.

Their presence underlined the integration of defence healthcare, academic excellence, and national public health systems.

MadhuNetrAI Platform: Technology Backbone

The screening programme is anchored by MadhuNetrAI, a web-based AI platform developed by RPC, AIIMS.

Key Technology Features

• Automated screening, grading and triaging of retinal images
• Images captured using handheld fundus cameras
• Can be operated by medical officers, nurses and healthcare assistants
• Generates real-time data on disease prevalence and geographic distribution

This enables large-scale, community-level screening without dependence on specialist availability at the point of care.

Pilot Implementation & Referral Framework

During the pilot phase, the programme will be implemented at seven diverse locations, representing different geographic and demographic profiles:

• Pune
• Mumbai
• Bengaluru
• Dharamshala
• Gaya
• Jorhat
• Kochi

Personnel from each centre will undergo intensive training at RPC, AIIMS.

Referral Pathway

• Patients with DR → referred for diabetes management
• Vision-threatening DR cases → referred to vitreo-retina specialists at designated District Hospitals
• District Health Administrations coordinate referrals and follow-up care

Exam-Oriented Key Facts

• Programme: India’s first AI-driven Diabetic Retinopathy screening
• Launch Date: 16 December 2025
• Platform: MadhuNetrAI
• Developer: RPC, AIIMS
• Collaborators: AFMS, AIIMS, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
• Pilot Coverage: 7 locations across India

Question & Answer

Q1. India’s first AI-driven community screening programme launched in December 2025 focuses on which disease?
(a) Glaucoma
(b) Cataract
(c) Diabetic Retinopathy
(d) Age-related macular degeneration
Answer: Diabetic Retinopathy

Q2. MadhuNetrAI, used in the screening programme, has been developed by:
(a) ICMR
(b) DRDO
(c) RPC, AIIMS
(d) NITI Aayog
Answer: RPC, AIIMS

Q3. Which institution hosted the inauguration of the AI-based DR screening programme?
(a) AIIMS New Delhi
(b) Safdarjung Hospital
(c) Army Hospital (Research and Referral)
(d) LNJP Hospital
Answer: Army Hospital (Research and Referral)

Q4. How many locations are covered under the pilot phase of the programme?
(a) Five
(b) Six
(c) Seven
(d) Ten
Answer: Seven

Q5. The main public health advantage of this programme is:
(a) Replacement of doctors
(b) Early detection and scalable screening
(c) Elimination of diabetes
(d) Free surgery for all patients
Answer: Early detection and scalable screening

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