AFMS launches India's first AI-driven community screening programme for diabetic retinopathy
The Armed Forces Medical Services launched India's first AI-driven community screening programme for diabetic retinopathy in New Delhi on 16 December 2025, using the MadhuNetrAI tool developed at AIIMS.
Summary
The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) launched India's first Artificial Intelligence-driven community screening programme for diabetic retinopathy in New Delhi on 16 December 2025, with the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS and the eHealth AI Unit of the Health Ministry. The AFMS programme uses MadhuNetrAI, a web-based AI tool developed by the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre, to screen, grade and triage retinal images taken with handheld fundus cameras. The pilot will run at seven locations: Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Dharamshala, Gaya, Jorhat and Kochi.
Key facts
- Date
- 16 December 2025
- Launched by
- Armed Forces Medical Services, with RPC AIIMS and MoHFW eHealth AI Unit
- First
- India's first AI-driven community screening for diabetic retinopathy
- AI tool
- MadhuNetrAI, developed by Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS
- Pilot sites
- Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Dharamshala, Gaya, Jorhat, Kochi
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Which AI tool anchors the AFMS community screening programme for diabetic retinopathy launched on 16 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — MadhuNetrAI
PIB 2204763: the programme is anchored by MadhuNetrAI, a web-based AI tool developed by the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS.
Which of the following is NOT among the seven pilot locations of the AFMS AI-driven diabetic retinopathy screening programme?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Lucknow
PIB 2204763: the seven pilot locations are Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Dharamshala, Gaya, Jorhat and Kochi. Lucknow is not one of them.