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Time of India
12-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
India's Ayush 'innovations' featured in WHO's brief on AI in traditional medicine
The WHO has acknowledged India's efforts in integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) with traditional medicine systems, particularly Ayush systems, the Centre said on Saturday. The World Health Organization praised the country's efforts in a technical brief - Mapping the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Traditional Medicine. The release follows India's proposal on the subject, leading to the development of WHO's first-ever roadmap for using AI in traditional medicine, the Ayush ministry said in a statement. India's efforts to harness the potential of AI to advance its Ayush systems reflect Prime Minister Narendra Modi 's vision of "AI for All," it said. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav said India's AI initiatives, mentioned in WHO's brief, reflect the commitment of Indian scientists to advancing traditional medicine through cutting-edge technology. "By integrating AI with Ayush systems, and through pioneering digital platforms such as the SAHI portal, NAMASTE portal, and the Ayush Research Portal, India is not only safeguarding its centuries-old medical wisdom but also leading the way in shaping a future of personalised, evidence-based, and globally accessible healthcare ," he said. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, said the WHO document highlights India's AI-driven innovations, such as "Prakriti-based machine learning models" to the "groundbreaking Ayurgenomics project that brings together Ayurveda knowledge and modern genomics." At the core of the supposed transformation is the Ayush Grid, a digital health platform launched in 2018, which serves as the foundation for SAHI, NAMASTE, and Ayush Research portals, he said. "Together, these AI-enabled platforms are not only preserving and validating India's traditional knowledge systems of medicine but are also advancing their global integration within evidence-based, digital healthcare frameworks," Kotecha said. The WHO document showcases a range of AI-driven applications in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Sowa Rigpa, and homoeopathy, including diagnosis support systems that integrate traditional methods like pulse reading, tongue examination, and Prakriti assessment with machine learning algorithms and deep neural networks, Ayush said. The brief also mentions Ayurgenomics, which Ayush claims is a scientific breakthrough combination of genomics and ayurvedic principles. The initiative aims to identify disease markers and personalise health recommendations using AI-based analysis of ayurvedic constitution types, the statement said. The document also highlights India's efforts in decoding the genomic and molecular basis of herbal formulations for repurposing them in modern disease conditions. India's Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) has been praised as a global model for the preservation and responsible use of indigenous medical heritage, the statement said. AI-powered tools are being used for cataloguing and semantic analysis of ancient texts, it said. Another aspect recognised by the WHO is the use of AI for drug action pathway identification, comparative studies across systems like Ayurveda, TCM, and Unani, and the development of artificial chemical sensors to assess traditional parameters such as Rasa, Guna, and Virya, Ayush said.
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
India's Ayush 'innovations' featured in WHO's brief on AI in traditional medicine
The WHO has acknowledged India's efforts in integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) with traditional medicine systems, particularly Ayush systems, the Centre said on Saturday. The World Health Organization praised the country's efforts in a technical brief - Mapping the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Traditional Medicine. The release follows India's proposal on the subject, leading to the development of WHO's first-ever roadmap for using AI in traditional medicine, the Ayush ministry said in a statement. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Foods for Spine Health: Foods That Fight Back Pain Learn More Undo India's efforts to harness the potential of AI to advance its Ayush systems reflect Prime Minister Narendra Modi 's vision of "AI for All," it said. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav said India's AI initiatives, mentioned in WHO's brief, reflect the commitment of Indian scientists to advancing traditional medicine through cutting-edge technology. Live Events "By integrating AI with Ayush systems, and through pioneering digital platforms such as the SAHI portal, NAMASTE portal, and the Ayush Research Portal, India is not only safeguarding its centuries-old medical wisdom but also leading the way in shaping a future of personalised, evidence-based, and globally accessible healthcare ," he said. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, said the WHO document highlights India's AI-driven innovations, such as "Prakriti-based machine learning models" to the "groundbreaking Ayurgenomics project that brings together Ayurveda knowledge and modern genomics." At the core of the supposed transformation is the Ayush Grid, a digital health platform launched in 2018, which serves as the foundation for SAHI, NAMASTE, and Ayush Research portals, he said. "Together, these AI-enabled platforms are not only preserving and validating India's traditional knowledge systems of medicine but are also advancing their global integration within evidence-based, digital healthcare frameworks," Kotecha said. The WHO document showcases a range of AI-driven applications in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Sowa Rigpa, and homoeopathy, including diagnosis support systems that integrate traditional methods like pulse reading, tongue examination, and Prakriti assessment with machine learning algorithms and deep neural networks, Ayush said. The brief also mentions Ayurgenomics, which Ayush claims is a scientific breakthrough combination of genomics and ayurvedic principles. The initiative aims to identify disease markers and personalise health recommendations using AI-based analysis of ayurvedic constitution types, the statement said. The document also highlights India's efforts in decoding the genomic and molecular basis of herbal formulations for repurposing them in modern disease conditions. India's Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) has been praised as a global model for the preservation and responsible use of indigenous medical heritage, the statement said. AI-powered tools are being used for cataloguing and semantic analysis of ancient texts, it said. Another aspect recognised by the WHO is the use of AI for drug action pathway identification, comparative studies across systems like Ayurveda, TCM, and Unani, and the development of artificial chemical sensors to assess traditional parameters such as Rasa, Guna, and Virya, Ayush said.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Non-life insurance industry register 6.5% y-o-y rise in gross direct premiums
The non-life insurance industry reported a 6.5% year-on-year increase in gross direct premiums to Rs22,257 crore in May with growth in standalone health insurers (SAHI) beating that of general insurers, data from the General Insurance Council showed. The growth in May slowed compared to 14.9% YoY reported in the same month last year. The slowdown in premium growth is largely attributed to the 1/n rule, which kicked in October, experts said. Under the 1/n rule, IRDAI has mandated non-life insurers to report premiums annually even if the policy term is longer than one year. Accordingly, the reported premium is calculated by dividing 1 by the number of days the policy is in effect. 'The flash numbers for May reported a modest growth indicating that the industry is still adjusting with the 1/n rule on premium reporting. Despite the impact, the growth seems to be supported by renewal of commercial lines like fire insurance, and growth in SAHI players indicative of steady demand in health insurance,' said Saurabh Bhalerao, Associate Director, CareEdge Ratings. Barring SAHIs, overall premiums collected by general insurers grew 5.7% YoY to 19,210 crore in May. Eight out of the 25 general insurers reported year-on-year fall in premium collections in the reporting month. Among the listed general insurers, New India Assurance led gains among major players in May. The state-run insurer reported a 22.47% jump in gross premiums to Rs 2,944 crore, helping its market share edge up to 16.06% from 15.15% in May 2024. Private sector major ICICI Lombard General Insurance saw premiums rise 2.41% year-on-year, while Go Digit General Insurance saw a 2.19% drop in premiums. Newly listed Niva Bupa Health Insurance registered a 9.69% increase in premiums to Rs 554 crore. Total premiums by standalone health insurers grew 10% YoY to Rs2,917 crore in May. Among the seven SAHI players, ManipalCigna Health Insurance topped the chart with nearly 43% growth in premium collections, followed by 36% growth reported by Aditya Birla Health Insurance.
Business Standard
29-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Total general insurance premium collections reach Rs 3.07 lakh crore in FY 25
Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman chaired a review meeting of Public Sector General Insurance Companies (PSGICs) yesterday. The Minister reviewed key performance indicators including premium collections, insurance penetration and density, and incurred claims ratios. It was noted that the total premium collected by PSGICs has witnessed a notable rise from around Rs 80,000 crore in 2019 to nearly Rs 1.06 lakh crore in 2025. The overall general insurance industry also reported growth, with total premium collections reaching Rs 3.07 lakh crore in FY 2024-25. While general insurance penetration in India remains relatively low at 1% of GDP - compared to a global average of 4.2% in 2023 - insurance density has steadily improved, increasing from $9 in 2019 to $25 in 2023. The finance minister underscored the need for PSGICs to work towards improving both penetration and density to ensure wider financial protection. Officials also presented a five-year analysis of the health insurance segment, showing consistent premium growth across Private Insurers, Standalone Health Insurers (SAHI), and PSGICs. Incurred claims ratios, which had peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic in FY21 (PSGICs at 126% and private insurers at 105%), have since declined. By FY24, these ratios had moderated to 103% for PSGICs, 89% for private insurers, and 65% for SAHI.
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
LIC's Entry into Health Insurance: A Game Changer or a Risky Bet?
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is an iconic brand built over 70 years, synonymous with trust, security, and financial strength. With recent reports of LIC acquiring a sizable stake in a standalone health insurance (SAHI) company, the discussion around its potential entry into the health insurance domain has gained momentum. While the move appears to be a natural progression for business expansion at a time when it core business of life insurance facing a phase of stagnation , it comes with both opportunities and challenges. Strategic Rationale: Leveraging Strengths for Expansion Health insurance is one of the fastest-growing segments in the insurance sector. Post covid , it got acceptance as an essential part of family & financial well being. LIC's entry into this space through investment in a existing SAHI company , could be seen as an attempt to diversify investment revenue streams, leverage its extensive agent network, and enhance long-term profitability. With a strong financial backbone, an unparalleled distribution system, and a massive customer base, LIC has some undeniable advantages. Experts are of the opinion that , if any entity can replicate its success in the life insurance sector within health insurance, it is LIC. The convergence of public purpose and commercial viability makes this move both strategic and necessary. In addition, given the trust deficit in the health insurance sector regarding claims processing, LIC , through its potential subsidiary , could bring much-needed credibility if it prioritizes transparency and policyholder-centric servicing. Challenges: Different Ball Game, Different Rules Despite these advantages, health insurance is a completely different business from life insurance. It requires a different actuarial approach, underwriting mechanisms, claims handling, fraud detection, and customer engagement models. While life insurance is largely about long-term commitments and predictable risk patterns, health insurance involves high-frequency claims, complex exclusions, and a higher degree of customer dissatisfaction due to claim disputes. Unfortunately , LIC is not in a position to help the subsidiary in terms of expertise. The LIC officials expertise is all limited of handling critical illness rider related claims & handling a big volume of hospitalisation claim has never been their forte. The strengthening the manpower & system in this existing SAHI company would be necessary. A major concern is whether LIC's agents, who are already associated with other health insurers, will fully commit to selling LIC-branded health policies. Another worry is the risk of brand dilution—if the health company with 'LIC' brand struggles with claim settlement issues, its long-standing trust in life insurance could also take a hit. Health insurance is already a highly competitive space with established general insurance & SAHI companies such as players New India , ICICI Lombard, Bajaj Allianz, and Star Health, who have spent decades refining their operations. Even they face challenges in claims processing and customer satisfaction. Unfortunately , the SAHI company in discussion is yet to make its mark in this competitive domain , a real challenge for LIC. The question arises: Would it have been a better strategy for LIC to start its own health insurance venture rather than acquiring a stake in an existing one? Buying into an operational SAHI company is an investment decision, but whether LIC should put its brand name at the forefront before stabilizing its processes is worth debating. People are of the opinion that LIC must desist extending the brand in beginning. Better , it plays safe. Balancing Risk with Opportunity Change is necessary for growth. If executed correctly, LIC's foray into health insurance could not only strengthen its financials but also improve the overall credibility of the health insurance industry. However, success will depend on several factors: Training and Reorientation of Agents: Health insurance policies are intricate, and mis-selling due to lack of agent knowledge can lead to reputational damage. LIC must invest heavily in agent training and consumer Claims Handling: Trust in health insurance is often broken at the claims stage. LIC must ensure faster, more transparent claims processing to set a new industry and Strategic Underwriting: Given the complexities of medical risk, LIC needs to adopt robust risk management strategies and avoid the pitfalls of aggressive policy selling without due Commitment to Customer-Centric Policies: Instead of purely focusing on market share, LIC should align with public health initiatives and wellness programs to create a sustainable and impactful health insurance model. Conclusion: A Calculated Gamble LIC's potential entry into the health insurance sector is both an opportunity and a risk. On one hand, it brings brand strength, trust, and a massive distribution network. On the other, it faces operational and reputational challenges in an industry where claim disputes are frequent and customer trust is fragile. Will LIC redefine health insurance standards, or will it struggle to adapt to an entirely different business model? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the move will reshape the industry and set a new precedent for how a legacy insurer transitions into a complex new domain. The article is written by Prof. Manoj K Pandey, Associate Professor, Birla Institute Of Management Technology, Greater Noida. (DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and does not necessarily subscribe to it. shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organisation directly or indirectly)
