New Delhi

Indiahas emerged as one of Asia Pacific region's most AI-ready healthcare markets, with 78 per cent of consumers using GenAI to better understand diagnoses and treatment options, according to a report by Bain & Company.

Healthcare systems in Asia-Pacific are facing growing strain as rising patient expectations collide with a stretched clinical workforce, accelerating the shift toward new care models and AI-enabled support, said the report titled '2026 Asia-Pacific Front Line of Healthcare Report'.

Consumers across Asia-Pacific are increasingly taking a proactive role in managing their health while expecting more convenience, responsiveness and coordination from the healthcare system, it said. As per the report, 84 per cent of consumers expect greater convenience from the healthcare system, while 71 per cent expect doctors to be more responsive through channels such as phone, WhatsApp or email. Three out of five consumers now also schedule regular checkups and screenings, compared to 47 per cent in 2023.

"These expectations are even more pronounced in India. Nearly nine in ten (i.e. 88 per cent consumers) expect more convenient healthcare experiences, 79 per cent expect phone and messaging accessibility from doctors, and 93 per cent want a single point of coordination across their healthcare journey," it added.

When it comes to GenAI and digital health adoption, the report said, "India is emerging as one of the region's most AI-receptive healthcare markets: 78 per cent of consumers use GenAI to better understand diagnoses and treatment options, while 73 per cent use it to prepare for appointments, and 72 per cent leverage it to navigate the healthcare system."

Gen Z's are driving digital health adoption, with 66 per cent of Gen Z respondents using online pharmacies and demonstrating higher engagement with AI-enabled healthcare tools and services, it added.