Qure.ai, a leading Artificial Intelligence (AI) healthcare technology company, announced that its new AI-enabled technology is now being used to improve diagnostic capabilities benefitting more than two million people in rural and hard-to-reach areas. It was announced at an event titled “Innovating Healthcare with AI” held in New Delhi recently. With support from SAMRIDH Blended Finance Facility, which is supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by IPE Global, Qure.ai’s screening software has completed more than 60,000 screenings in 17 Indian states, improving diagnostics for conditions including tuberculosis (TB).
SAMRIDH Blended Finance Facility through partnerships with organizations including Qure.ai rapidly supports and scales innovative healthcare solutions across India. The support enabled Qure.ai to secure an additional $40 million U.S. dollars in equity from additional investors, maximizing its impact, and allowing for the expansion of its technology and ability to reach global markets.
Dr. Reuben Swamickan, USAID/India’s Acting Health Office Director, said, “The unique technology and innovation partnership between SAMRIDH and Qure.ai has improved diagnoses at healthcare facilities across India, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. USAID is proud to partner with the Government of India, the private sector, and civil society to strengthen the impact, reach, affordability, and quality of health services for low income and vulnerable households, building on decades of U.S.-India collaboration to support quality and accessible healthcare.”
Dr. Raghu Ram Rao, Asst DG (TB), Central TB Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said, “We need good business models for such innovative technologies to be scaled to help more and more people. Qure.ai is just one example; many tech companies are emerging in TB screening. Demand for such solutions exists nationwide, even from physicians in remote areas. Our country's potential shines through these innovative solutions flowing across the nation." Also, he highlighted the importance of regulatory frameworks for AI.
Dr Shibu Vijayan, Medical Director - of Global Health, Qure.ai said, "We are proud of the accomplishments of this project, which has showcased the potential of AI in revolutionizing healthcare delivery. The collaboration with the USAID and IPE Global through SAMRIDH has been instrumental in extending the benefits of AI to underserved communities, improving patient outcomes, and strengthening healthcare systems."
Mr. Himanshu Sikka, Project Director, SAMRIDH, highlighted the blended finance facility’s role in supporting technology-driven enterprises, such as Qure.ai, to contribute to the welfare of the people. He mentioned "Innovative technologies like qXR have the potential to improve the accessibility and affordability of healthcare, even in remote areas. We look forward to the technology's greater impact with smoother healthcare delivery at the bottom of the pyramid."