In an era of greater autonomy after years of experimenting with passive AI, Google Cloud global head of healthcare Aashima Gupta says it’s no longer a question of adoption, it’s a question of implementation.
In an exclusive interview at Google Cloud Next 2026, Gupta described how AI has been rapidly integrated into clinical workflows, and not by top-down pressure. Instead, frontline demand has had a big influence on how AI systems are delivered across the industry, with tools designed to reduce worker fatigue in the cause.
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Google’s vision for AI in healthcare is almost exclusively administrative
But the true transformation is yet to come and lies in what Gupta describes as healthcare’s “agent moment.” Instead of just helping humans, AI agents are starting to orchestrate entire workflows, reasoning across systems, adapting to context, and executing multi-step processes.
“These are agents, they don’t get tired,” he added, highlighting the power of autonomy in performing repetitive administrative tasks while doctors focus on high-value, people-centered care.
Agentic is the name of the game in an industry still dominated by legacy systems and physical paper records. Gupta maintains that modern AI agents can now bring together systems such as electronic medical records, imaging systems, laboratories and insurance platforms.
But while workers are increasingly accepting AI assistance after experimenting with consumer products on their own time, Google Cloud knows that the real battle for widespread adoption is trust, not capability.
Data residency, audibility, and role-based access controls are key to AI success in healthcare, one of the most regulated industries, but also one that will likely benefit the most from properly implemented AI.
Gemini doesn’t want your patient records, but Google wants to help you connect to them at your surgery
Looking ahead, Gupta envisions a future where every patient has access to an AI assistant through their own healthcare provider, hospital or clinic. Gemini’s power isn’t enough, he explained, noting that Google doesn’t have access to your personal records (nor does it want to).
But for hyper-personalized healthcare recommendations that could avoid clinic visits, purpose-built AI chatbots are the goal.
And as for smaller healthcare providers, Gupta’s message is clear: “Be in the sand.” Start experimenting now with early pilots around high-frequency, low-risk workflows to gain internal experience and build from there.
Ultimately, Gupta sees AI as a capability driver for doctors and not a replacement for workers in an industry defined by human interaction.
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