The journey of First Check has always been rooted in a single, unwavering pursuit: the power of credible information. After a transformative 2025, marked by our content partnership with THE WEEK and an expanding network of verified health resources, we entered 2026 with a vision to move from conversation to high-impact action.
On January 28, that vision found its voice at the 4th edition of the Health of India Summit, a gathering that represented a decisive moment for the nation’s healthcare landscape.
Held at the National Institute of Health and Family Welfare (NIHFW) in New Delhi, this was far more than a standard industry assembly. Convened by First Check, hosted by DataLEADS, and co-hosted by NIHFW, the summit was officially recognized by the Union Government as a Pre-Summit Event for the upcoming India AI Impact Summit 2026.
Under the theme “Building a Healthier India with AI,” we brought together over 60 speakers and 250+ delegates to explore how artificial intelligence can transcend the “hype” to become a fundamental driver of efficiency, access, and resilience in our collective journey towards a Viksit Bharat.
This mission found its strength at the intersection of policy and innovation, serving as a vibrant crucible for dialogue between the gatekeepers of regulation and the pioneers of technological change.
We were privileged to have the active participation of the National Health Authority (NHA), alongside the critical support of the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. In a compelling keynote, Dr. Sunil Kumar Barnwal (CEO, NHA) set the tone by framing AI as a “force multiplier” essential for building scalable, ethical, and population-level health solutions.
The intellectual depth of the day was further enriched by some of the most respected minds in the country. Among some of the speakers were Dr K. Srinath Reddy (Padma Bhushan, Founder President, PHFI; Former Head of Cardiology, AIIMS), Dr Harsh Mahajan (Founder, Mahajan Imaging & Labs), Manoj Jhalani (Director, Health Systems Development, WHO, SEARO), Dr Roli Mathur (Scientist ‘G’ & Head, ICMR), Dr Shubnum Singh (Principal Advisor Healthcare CII), Sujaya Krishnan (Former Joint Secretary to the GOI, MoHFW), Dr Mona Duggal (Director, ICMR-NIRDH), Dr Shirshendu Mukherjee (Managing Director, Wadhwani Innovation Network), and Harsh Dhand (GenAI and Research Partnerships Head, Google APAC).
Together, they navigated the complex architecture of clinical validation, bioethics, and the technological frameworks required to scale health equity at a population level. Such an ambitious undertaking is only possible within a collaborative ecosystem.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our global media partner, Deutsche Welle (DW), and our title partner, Global Health Strategies. Our work was further bolstered by the expertise of the Wadhwani Foundation, Samsung, BMJ, SocioScript, and the Healthcare Sector Skill Council, along with support from TiE Delhi NCR, PTI, Only Earth and Rafttaar.ai. These contributors ensured the dialogue remained grounded in both medical efficacy and industrial feasibility.
As we reflect on the insights gained from nine panel discussions and five “show-and-tell” sessions, the takeaway is undeniable: India’s healthcare system is entering a transformative new phase.
At First Check, we remain dedicated to ensuring that as AI reshapes the landscape, the core values of trust, facts, and public interest remain non-negotiable.
Looking ahead, this momentum will not be confined to the capital. We are now gearing up for a major AI festival series across the country, taking these critical conversations to every corner of India. We look forward to sharing more details on this national rollout very soon.
Thank you for being part of this milestone; the summit may have ended, but the roadmap for a healthier, AI-enabled India is just beginning to unfold.
Dr Sabba Mehmood
Co-founder and Director
DataLEADS and First Check
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