The Kerala Government, in partnership with Remidio, has launched Nayanamritham 2.0, an AI-assisted screening program for chronic eye diseases. This initiative enhances early detection and streamlines screening, making quality eye care more accessible and efficient across the state.
Building on the success of Nayanamritham 1.0, which facilitated diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening at family health centers with expert analysis from ophthalmologists, the new phase introduces AI-powered fundus cameras. These cameras enable optometrists to classify cases as referable or non-referable, ensuring quicker diagnosis and timely referrals.
Expanding beyond DR, Nayanamritham 2.0 now includes screening for Glaucoma and Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). The program extends its reach to community health centers, taluk hospitals, and district hospitals, integrating advanced eye care at multiple levels of the healthcare system.
Remidio CEO Anand Sivaraman emphasized the pioneering role of this initiative, stating that Kerala is the first government-led public health system globally to integrate AI for chronic eye disease screening.
At the launch event, Dr. Bipin Gopal, Deputy Director, DHS, Kerala, highlighted AI’s role in supporting healthcare professionals:
“AI is not a replacement for healthcare providers but a tool to empower them. By using ethical AI, optometrists can efficiently handle routine screenings, allowing ophthalmologists to focus on complex cases and provide specialized care where needed.”
As AI continues to revolutionize healthcare, Nayanamritham 2.0 aims to enhance screening efficiency and accuracy, equipping healthcare providers with the tools to deliver improved patient care.
