UPSC Notes

Application of Emerging Technologies in Public Health

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

The effective deployment of technology is critical for addressing India's vast public health challenges, improving healthcare access and quality, and achieving universal health coverage, aligning with national development goals and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), genomics, and advanced medical devices are increasingly being integrated into India's public health system to enhance diagnostics, surveillance, program implementation, and access to healthcare, especially in remote areas.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

AI Applications

Used for diagnostics (e.g., tuberculosis, diabetic retinopathy screening) and program implementation.

i-Drone Initiative

Leverages drones for delivering vaccines and critical medical supplies, overcoming geographic barriers.

Medtech Advancements

Includes medical devices, diagnostics, and next-generation vaccines/therapeutics for targeted interventions.

Digital Health Integration

Digital health and data science are evolving domains, integral to public health decision-making.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaPublic Health
Conceptual areaScience & Technology

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)Promotes and integrates technology in health research
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Statement-based questions

Prelims angle: Policy measures

Quick revision

  • AI: Diagnostics (TB, diabetic retinopathy), program implementation.
  • i-Drone: Vaccine/medical supply delivery, overcoming barriers.
  • Medtech: Devices, diagnostics, next-gen vaccines/therapeutics.
  • Digital health: Evolving domain, data-driven decisions.
  • Impact: Improved access, efficiency, patient-centric care.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Public HealthScience & Technology

How ICMR is rewiring the health ecosystem

08 Jun 2026 · India is increasingly leveraging emerging technologies like AI, drones, and advanced medtech to transform its public health system. AI aids diagnostics and program delivery, drones ensure supply chain efficiency in remote areas, and medtech innovations enable targeted treatments, all contributing to better healthcare access and outcomes.

Read article

Related topics

Current topic

Application of Emerging Technologies in Public Health

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Application of Emerging Technologies in Public Health in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.