An X-ray report from Delhi AIIMS was not prepared by any doctor, but was generated through artificial intelligence (AI)! The mention of 'AI' in that X-ray report made it go viral on social media instantly. It has created a stir on social platforms. When social media was abuzz with questions about how accurate the report is, whether radiologists are no longer needed—AIIMS experts reassured everyone. They clarified that this is not final, but a preliminary report. And the matter is also experimental.
On Friday, a chest X-ray issued from the radiology department of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, caused a sensation. At the bottom of that report was written—'Verified/AI-Radiologist'. Clearly, no radiologist had prepared the report by analysing the chest X-ray plate of a five-year-old child. Instead, artificial intelligence or AI had reached the conclusion that there was 'nothing abnormal' about that report. This raised questions about whether AI would now diagnose diseases in the country without radiologists' analysis. The viral X-ray report on social media sparked intense debate in medical circles.
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However, the disclaimer at the bottom of that report stated that this is a preliminary AI-generated read, which should be correlated with the patient's clinical history and other tests. It was also clearly mentioned that the hospital and the AI software company Qure.AI would not take responsibility for this report. As this statement emerged, some doctors and healthcare workers began questioning why the word 'Verified' was used if this was not a final report.
However, another section of the medical community is welcoming this as a realistic form of future healthcare. They argue that AI reports are faster, have less chance of error, and are extremely effective in patient screening. But the larger section of the medical community is concerned—such uncontrolled application of AI raises questions about patient safety, professional ethics, and legal accountability. Though this X-ray report was first brought to public attention by a radiologist himself. And in an X post, he directly commented, 'AI reports can provide preliminary guidance, but no final decision should be made without human judgment and consideration. Human radiologists are needed to explain the patient's clinical context, complications, and even minor differences.'
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Later, Shubharankar Datta, a radiologist in training at AIIMS and AI researcher, clarified their position on this controversy. He informed that many labs in India do use AI-based preliminary 'reads'. But a report becomes legally valid only when it bears the signature of a recognised radiologist. Giving completely automated reports outside of research projects is against regulations. He further assured, 'The idea that AI is completely replacing radiologists is wrong. AI is our assistive tool, never a substitute. The notion that AI will replace radiologists in the coming years is completely baseless.'
Experts are also saying that while AI-driven reporting is advancing rapidly worldwide, the legal framework in each country is very clear—the final responsibility lies with human doctors. Moreover, in disease diagnosis, the context of illness, patient symptoms, previous history, and subtle evaluation and analysis of medical decisions are not yet possible for any AI. However, no official response from AIIMS has been received regarding that much-discussed X-ray report.
