AI & VR Transform Healthcare Training in India

A national symposium, SIMPACT 2026, recently concluded in New Delhi, focusing on the future of healthcare training and competency-based education. This event was a collaborative effort involving the Healthcare Sector Skill Council (HSSC), the SET Facility at AIIMS Delhi, and MediSim VR. It brought together key figures in healthcare education, policy, and practice.

The symposium explored how simulation-based training, incorporating immersive technologies like AI and VR, can bolster clinical competencies. Discussions centered on three main themes: enabling competency-based medical and nursing education through simulation, addressing the gap between simulation infrastructure and measurable outcomes, and scaling advanced simulation technologies to meet demand.

Experts emphasized that simulation-based learning is crucial for modern clinical training in India. AI-enabled immersive platforms allow professionals to practice procedures and decision-making in safe, controlled environments. This approach reduces patient risk and improves workforce readiness, aligning with India's expanding healthcare capacity.

Distinguished chief guests, including Dr. Ambuj Roy of AIIMS Delhi and Dr. V N Mahalakshmi of Santosh Deemed-to-be-University, shared insights on simulation's role. Dr. Manish Honwad highlighted its importance for high-stakes scenarios. The event underscored a national movement towards collaboration to build a future-ready healthcare workforce through advanced simulation.