India is rapidly positioning itself as one of the most prepared healthcare markets in the Asia-Pacific region for the adoption of artificial intelligence, according to a recent report by Bain & Company. The study highlights growing consumer reliance on generative AI (GenAI) tools to access healthcare information and manage their medical journeys more effectively.
The report found that Indian consumers are among the region’s most active users of GenAI in healthcare. Around 78% use AI tools to understand medical diagnoses and treatment choices, while 73% turn to them before doctor consultations. Another 72% use AI-powered platforms to find and navigate healthcare services.
Changing patient expectations are also reshaping the healthcare landscape. In India, 88% of respondents said they want healthcare services to be more convenient, and nearly 80% expect doctors to be accessible through phone calls or messaging applications.
A strong preference for coordinated care was another key finding. Nearly 93% of Indian consumers said they would prefer a single point of contact to manage their healthcare needs, indicating frustration with disconnected treatment experiences and complex care pathways.
The study also identified affordability and access as major concerns. High treatment costs were cited as the biggest challenge by 43% of respondents, followed by long waiting periods (42%) and appointment delays (30%). Additionally, more than 45% reported difficulties in understanding or accessing healthcare services.
Diagnostic challenges remain common, with 62% of consumers saying they had to consult multiple healthcare providers before receiving the correct diagnosis or treatment recommendation.
According to Bain, healthcare organizations that combine trusted clinical expertise with AI-driven services and improved care coordination will be better positioned to address evolving patient expectations and deliver better outcomes.
The findings underscore a growing shift toward technology-enabled healthcare in India. As AI adoption accelerates and demand for seamless patient experiences rises, providers that embrace digital innovation and integrated care models could gain a significant advantage in the country’s evolving healthcare ecosystem.