Jan Herzhoff, President of Elsevier’s Global Healthcare Business, discussed the delicate balance between the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare and the risk of deskilling professionals dependent on AI. Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Herzhoff highlighted that integrating critical thinking and expanding knowledge are essential alongside the use of AI.
The summit, attended by over 500 AI leaders from over 100 countries, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, advocating for the democratization of AI for inclusion and empowerment. Herzhoff emphasized that AI is poised to have a significant impact on society, presenting both benefits and obstacles.
Elsevier’s initiatives, such as ‘ClinicalPath Primary Care’, aim to support India’s ASHA healthcare professionals with AI tools to bridge the urban-rural divide. Positive feedback from pilot projects highlights AI’s potential to improve healthcare delivery, even as challenges such as medical misinformation persist.
(With input from agencies.)