In a significant step towards strengthening preventive healthcare and early detection of cardiovascular diseases, the Punjab government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Cardiological Health and Research Institute (CHRI) to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) enabled cardiac screening technology across three districts of the state.

The collaboration, formalized in the presence of Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, will initially be implemented as a pilot project in Patiala, SAS Nagar (Mohali), and Fatehgarh Sahib. The initiative aims to leverage advanced AI driven diagnostic tools to facilitate early identification of heart related conditions, improve access to screening services, and support timely medical intervention at the community level.

Under the programme, AI enabled technologies will assist healthcare providers in analyzing cardiac health data and identifying individuals at risk of cardiovascular diseases. The technology is expected to enhance screening efficiency, particularly in primary healthcare settings, while supporting doctors and frontline healthcare workers with faster and more accurate assessments.

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of mortality globally and account for a significant proportion of deaths in India. According to estimates from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), cardiovascular diseases contribute to nearly 28 percent of all deaths in the country, with increasing prevalence observed among both urban and rural populations. Early diagnosis and preventive interventions are widely recognized as critical factors in reducing disease burden and improving patient outcomes.

Punjab has been actively pursuing healthcare modernization initiatives aimed at strengthening primary care, expanding diagnostic capabilities and improving access to specialized services. The introduction of AI powered cardiac screening is expected to complement these efforts by enabling large-scale risk assessment and facilitating early referral of high risk individuals for further evaluation and treatment.

Healthcare experts believe artificial intelligence can play a transformative role in preventive cardiology by supporting rapid interpretation of diagnostic data, identifying patterns that may be missed during routine screening, and improving decision making at the point of care. Such technologies are increasingly being adopted worldwide to address the growing burden of non communicable diseases.

Officials stated that the pilot project will be closely monitored to evaluate its effectiveness, scalability and impact on healthcare outcomes. If successful, the initiative could pave the way for broader deployment across other districts in Punjab.

The partnership reflects the state’s commitment to integrating emerging technologies into public healthcare delivery and underscores the growing role of artificial intelligence in improving disease prevention, early diagnosis and patient care. By bringing advanced cardiac screening closer to communities, the initiative aims to strengthen healthcare services at the grassroots level and contribute to better cardiovascular health outcomes for citizens.