Russia Expands Use of AI in Disease Diagnosis

In the Arkhangelsk region, artificial intelligence is already analyzing X-rays and CT scans, helping doctors deliver faster and more accurate results.

Russia is scaling up the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare, with the Arkhangelsk region becoming a testbed for AI-powered diagnostics. At a recent meeting with Governor Alexander Tsybulsky, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko highlighted the shift to what he called a 'new technological framework' in medicine.

The region’s first step was the rollout of a unified electronic medical record. Now, the second phase is underway: doctors are using AI algorithms to interpret medical images, including X-rays and CT scans. By automating image analysis, hospitals can cut diagnosis times while improving accuracy.

Murashko emphasized that the impact goes beyond efficiency. AI-driven tools allow physicians to better predict disease risks and craft personalized treatment plans, with the goal of supporting patients 'from infancy to the silver years' and preventing health issues before they escalate.

More than 10 billion rubles (about $125 million) have already been invested into high-tech healthcare in Arkhangelsk, transforming the local medical landscape. The funding has brought in minimally invasive surgical techniques, advanced radiation therapy, and next-generation pharmaceuticals—building a foundation for AI to play a central role in everyday medicine.