AI Video Misleads Public on Uttar Pradesh Healthcare Crisis

A video falsely depicting a patient falling out of a moving ambulance has circulated widely online, misleading viewers about the state of healthcare in Uttar Pradesh, India. Despite significant issues within the public healthcare system, including corruption, staff shortages, and overcrowded facilities, there have been no official reports of such an incident occurring. The clip, shared on December 10, 2025, presents a fabricated scenario that critiques the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its governance.

The video portrays a patient on a stretcher tumbling from an ambulance onto the Yamuna Expressway. Over the footage, a caption in Hindi reads: “The Yamuna Expressway: See how active the BJP government is in addressing the needs of patients. Look at the pace of development under the BJP in Uttar Pradesh.” This misleading content aims to highlight the alleged failures of the current administration, which has faced criticism for its handling of healthcare in the state.

Concerns about healthcare in Uttar Pradesh are well-documented. The state has struggled with systemic issues, including inadequate facilities and allegations of malpractice. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has announced plans to overhaul healthcare services to enhance disease control and maternal health. In contrast, Akhilesh Yadav, the leader of the opposition Samajwadi Party and former chief minister, has accused the BJP of damaging the healthcare system through neglect and mismanagement.

Despite the alarming nature of the video, investigations reveal it is the product of artificial intelligence, rather than an actual event. The creator, Hemsagar Bhattarai, a Nepali labourer residing in Doha, stated that he designed the clip using ChatGPT and Sora AI to boost engagement on social media. His use of AI content generation was an attempt to attract attention, which he achieved as the video went viral.

A reverse image search traced the video back to a Facebook page called “Bargachhi Krishi Farm” dated December 8. The page’s initial post did not mention Uttar Pradesh or the alleged incident. Bhattarai, who runs the page for additional income, admitted to downloading content from Chinese social media platforms and repurposing it for his audience.

Upon close examination, the video displays several inconsistencies characteristic of AI-generated content. For instance, the oxygen mask on the patient does not appear connected to a tank, and it remains intact even as the stretcher falls. Additionally, the ambulance is shown without a door, and peculiar vehicles can be seen on the opposite side of the road.

To further assess the video’s authenticity, AFP uploaded it to an AI detection tool from Hive Moderation. The analysis indicated a 95 percent probability that the footage was generated or altered by AI technology. This incident underscores the growing challenge posed by misinformation, particularly as AI tools become more accessible.

The spread of this AI-generated clip highlights the potential for digital content to mislead and manipulate public perception, especially regarding critical issues such as healthcare. As the situation in Uttar Pradesh continues to evolve, clarity and integrity in reporting remain essential for informed discourse on public health matters.