India has taken a major step towards the future of healthcare with the launch of the HAI Conclave 2026, the country's first national conference dedicated exclusively to Healthcare and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Organised by the Global Healthcare Academy, the two-day event brought together doctors, AI experts, policymakers, researchers, hospital leaders, startups and technology companies to discuss how AI can improve healthcare without replacing the role of doctors.

The conference witnessed participation from leading global technology and healthcare companies, including Google, Philips, Siemens Healthineers, IBM, Roche, Tech Mahindra, EY-Parthenon, United Imaging and Intuitive. Experts agreed that India has the potential to become a global leader in healthcare AI because of its vast healthcare network, growing digital health infrastructure and skilled medical professionals.

Speakers stressed that AI should support doctors rather than replace them. They said the technology can help in early disease detection, faster diagnosis, personalised treatment, drug discovery and improving hospital efficiency, but human judgement, ethics and compassion will always remain essential in patient care.

The conclave also highlighted the importance of close collaboration between clinicians and technology developers so that AI solutions are safe, transparent and clinically useful. Scientific sessions covered key areas such as drug discovery, preventive medicine, health informatics, diagnostics and treatment.

Speaking at the event, Dr. B. S. Ajaikumar, Executive Chairman of Global Healthcare Academy, said artificial intelligence has the power to make healthcare more precise, efficient and accessible. However, he emphasised that its true value lies in strengthening clinical decision-making and improving patient outcomes through the combined efforts of medicine, technology and ethical responsibility.

Dr. Bhagavan B. C., Vice Chancellor of RGUHS, said medical institutions must prepare future healthcare professionals for an AI-driven world where medicine, technology and ethics work together. Dr. B. L. Sujatha Rathod from Karnataka's Directorate of Medical Education also underlined the need to equip doctors and students with the knowledge required to use AI responsibly in healthcare.

Dr. Manish Mattoo, CEO of HealthCare Global Enterprises (HCG), said the future of healthcare depends on combining clinical excellence with technology and data to improve efficiency and expand access to quality care.

Anitha Niranjan, Director of Global Healthcare Academy, said the conclave was created to bring together experts from healthcare, technology and policy so that AI remains clinically relevant, ethically responsible and focused on better patient outcomes.

The event featured keynote lectures, scientific presentations, panel discussions, startup showcases and networking sessions aimed at encouraging collaboration between healthcare professionals and AI innovators.

Industry leaders also shared their vision for AI-powered healthcare. Representatives from Siemens Healthineers, Philips, United Imaging, Intuitive and Roche Diagnostics highlighted how artificial intelligence is already improving medical imaging, diagnostics, surgery and healthcare workflows while helping doctors deliver better care.

Organisers said HAI Conclave 2026 is intended to become a long-term national platform that promotes the responsible adoption of AI in healthcare and supports innovation that benefits patients across India.