AFMS Launches AI-Based Diabetic Retinopathy Screening

On 16 December 2025, the Armed Forces Medical Services launched India’s first Artificial Intelligence–driven community screening programme for Diabetic Retinopathy in New Delhi, marking a major step towards early detection of diabetic eye disease and real-time health intelligence generation.

Key Points

Pioneering Initiative: The programme is India’s first AI-driven community-level screening initiative for Diabetic Retinopathy, aimed at strengthening early diagnosis and preventing vision loss.
Collaborative Effort: The initiative is a joint collaboration between AFMS, the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, and the eHealth AI Unit of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
Technology Backbone: The initiative is anchored by MadhuNetrAI, a web-based AI tool developed by RPC, which enables automated screening, grading and triaging of retinal images captured through handheld fundus cameras.
Data-Driven Planning: MadhuNetrAI generates real-time data on disease prevalence and geographical distribution, supporting evidence-based health planning and policy formulation.