In a first-of-its-kind effort, AIIMS Delhi and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have started tracking how long ICU patients are kept on ventilators using artificial intelligence (AI). What's the goal? The goal is to identify treatment delays and reduce unnecessary time spent on life-support machinery. 

The project has already begun as a pilot study at AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Bilaspur, and 323 other hospitals. Early results suggest improved care and faster medical decision-making. 

Until previously, most Indian hospitals did not keep accurate records on how long patients stayed on ventilators or when important therapy steps were taken. This has resulted in circumstances in which patients were put on ventilators for longer than necessary, increasing their risk of infection, organ damage, or even death. 

Dr Rajesh Malhotra, one of the principal coordinators at AIIMS, noted, "Sometimes the indicators that a patient can be weaned off the ventilator are subtle. By the time we realise it, we've lost valuable hours—or days." 

That's where AI comes in. 

Artificial intelligence systems in the ICU may now monitor daily reports on a patient's health, treatment plan, and vital signs. Based on this information, the system can recommend when it is safe to remove the ventilator. It also notifies doctors if a critical therapy step is delayed. 

For example, during a trial at one institution, four of the ten ventilated patients were found to be getting unnecessary ventilator assistance. The AI model identified the situations, and doctors were able to take corrective action promptly. 

Unnecessary ventilator use not only endangers patients but also takes up expensive ICU beds and equipment. With more reliable tracking, hospitals can make place for patients who require intensive care. Over time, this could assist to establish national standards for ICU treatment. 

Furthermore, by maintaining a digital record of each patient's treatment journey, hospitals become more accountable. Medical errors and missed actions can be flagged and evaluated later, allowing personnel to learn from their mistakes. 

Healthcare experts believe this could be a watershed moment for critical care in India. 

"Once scaled up, this approach will help bring consistency and evidence-based practices to even smaller hospitals," said Dr Nitin Prasad, an intensive care unit consultant. "This is what health systems in developing countries urgently need — better tools, not just more people." 

The Indian health system is taking a bold step towards improved ICU treatment by merging clinical judgement with AI-powered insight. If successful, this program could relieve unnecessary suffering, reduce hospital expenses, and, most importantly, save lives.