UP Transformation Dialogues: Experts spotlight technology, AI, and infrastructure in healthcare transformation

At the recent UP Transformation Dialogues, a flagship initiative by The Times of India, leaders and innovators gathered to chart the state’s journey toward becoming a model for tech-driven public service.

The centerpiece of the event, a panel titled “Scaling Innovation for Healthcare and Public Services,” explored how artificial intelligence (AI) and strategic infrastructure are bridging the gap between policy and people. Initiatives such as One District One Cuisine were also highlighted as models for local innovation and livelihood generation.

Amit Kumar Ghosh (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary, Medical Education Department, Uttar Pradesh, highlighted the state’s healthcare progress. “When the state moves, transformation comes about. Today we have 300 hospitals which qualify as district hospitals, district women hospitals, and ‘special’ hospitals,” he said.

Every district now has dialysis units, with expansion planned in places like Gonda, Basti, and Mirzapur. Ghosh also spoke about the State Cancer Mission and the State One Health Mission, aiming to improve diagnosis, maternal and child health, and care delivery.

“Today UP has more than halved the NMR incidents, having the NMR mission. We are focusing on high-risk pregnancy, anaemia in adolescent girls, targeted tracking, medication, supplementation, care using AI,” he added.

He further outlined emergency and trauma care plans, including doubling trauma beds in five years and developing ten Level-1 trauma centres. Ghosh also highlighted the transformation of medical education and the state’s vision for a TB-free Uttar Pradesh.

Dr Zakari Adam, chief, UNICEF Uttar Pradesh, noted that programs like Ayushman Bharat improve health, prevention, and financial security while strengthening access to hard-to-reach communities.

Dr Pinky Jowel, IAS, mission director, NHM and secretary, medical health and family welfare department, Uttar Pradesh, highlighted efforts to fill gaps in healthcare delivery and ensure universal, equitable access. “Mental health is also a focus. Tele Manas consultations are handling over 500 calls per day,” she said.

Experts discussed AI’s potential to transform healthcare. Dr Arvinder Singh Soin, group chairman, Medanta Institute of Liver Transplantation, said, “Human resource can be used more effectively with the help of AI. It can democratise access to healthcare. AI in healthcare has to be absolutely integrated. When private enterprise combines with public, access and quality improve. Good healthcare leads to better economy.”

Dr Sanjeev Bagai, Padma Shree Awardee and Chairman, Nephron Clinics, highlighted UP’s capacity for medical innovation. “75 ward districts, 25 crores, 30,000 medical facilities, 208 teaching colleges out of which 80 are medical colleges, 4,500 ambulances. 74 out of 75 districts have CT scan facilities. UP is the only state with two AIIMS. UP has land, talent, resources—a place to make educational medical cities,” he said.

Bagai also emphasised AI’s operational benefits: “AI gives you operational excellence, better ROI, better patient experience, error-free medication, and hospital-induced infections go down.”

The panel showcased how innovation, AI, and public-private partnerships are transforming healthcare in Uttar Pradesh, making services more accessible, efficient, and inclusive, and positioning the state as a model for future-ready health systems.

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