India Emerges as One of Asia-Pacific’s Most AI-Ready Healthcare Markets, with Consumers Rapidly Embracing Generative AI for Medical Guidance and Care
Highlights
- 78% of Indian consumers use GenAI to understand diagnoses and treatment options.
- India is among the most AI-receptive healthcare markets in Asia-Pacific.
- 88% of consumers expect more convenient healthcare experiences.
- 93% want a single point of coordination across their healthcare journey.
- Gen Z is driving adoption of digital health and AI-powered healthcare tools.
Updated News
New Delhi: India has emerged as one of the most AI-ready healthcare markets in the Asia-Pacific region, with consumers increasingly turning to Generative AI tools to better understand medical diagnoses, treatment options, and healthcare services, according to a new report by Bain & Company.
The report, titled 2026 Asia-Pacific Front Line of Healthcare Report, highlights a significant shift in how patients engage with healthcare providers as rising expectations, workforce shortages, and technological advancements reshape healthcare delivery across the region.
According to the study, 78% of Indian consumers use Generative AI to understand diagnoses and treatment options, while 73% use AI tools to prepare for medical appointments and 72% rely on them to navigate healthcare services and systems.
India also recorded some of the highest expectations from healthcare providers in the region. Nearly 88% of consumers expect more convenient healthcare experiences, 79% want doctors to be accessible through phone calls, messaging apps, or email, and 93% seek a single point of coordination throughout their healthcare journey.
The report found that healthcare consumers across Asia-Pacific are becoming increasingly proactive about their health. Around three out of five consumers now schedule regular health checkups and screenings, compared to 47% in 2023.
A strong focus on preventive healthcare is also emerging in India. According to the report, 89% of Indians are interested in prioritizing prevention and lifestyle improvements, while nearly half reported increased spending on nutrition supplements, wellness products, and fitness-related activities.
Vikram Kapur said healthcare systems across the region are approaching a critical turning point as rising demand, workforce shortages, and fragmented care models converge simultaneously. He noted that the challenge now extends beyond expanding access and requires reimagining how healthcare is coordinated, delivered, and experienced.
Meanwhile, Dhruv Sukhrani highlighted that Indian consumers are increasingly taking charge of their health and wellbeing, supported by growing use of AI-powered healthcare tools and services.
The report also identified Gen Z consumers as the leading drivers of digital healthcare adoption. About 66% of Gen Z respondents use online pharmacies, while many are actively engaging with AI-enabled health platforms, virtual care services, and digital wellness solutions.
Based on surveys of 6,300 consumers across nine Asia-Pacific markets and 600 doctors, the report suggests that AI could play a major role in reducing administrative workloads, improving efficiency, and helping healthcare professionals focus more on patient care.
